10 Questions

Andre De Grasse

1How has fatherhood changed your running?

Fatherhood has given me a fresh, new perspective on my career as a professional track athlete. Regardless of how things are going on the track, I know that my daughter, Yuri, is going to have a smile on her face at the end of the day. When I’m at practice, I’m 100 per cent focussed on what I’m trying to accomplish. But when it’s time to pick Yuri up from daycare, I shift gears to being the best dad I can be.

2What’s your reaction to the postponement of the

2020 Olympics, and how has it affected your training?

It was a bold but impressive move for the coc and cpc to lead the charge in pushing for the Games to be postponed. We’re all f ighting for something much more important than medals at the moment. Now I can focus on keeping my family healthy and safe. For the time being, I’m working out on a soccer f ield. Hopefully there will still be some late-season summer meets to prepare for. For now, I’ve just got to be patient .

3What’s your biggest asset as a runner?

I feel like I have a lot of confidence and experience when competing. Also I’m told that I deal well with the pressure to perform at major competitions.

4What’s your pre-race meal?

Pasta with chicken or salmon and vegetables. I also make sure I remain hydrated by drinking water and Gatorade bolt24.

5What’s your favourite off-day activity?

Going to the movies.

6What’s your dream vacation destination?

Mykonos, Greece.

7How did you find the sport of track and field?

I was in Grade 12, and a friend of mine challenged me to compete at the York Region Championships. I managed to run under 11 seconds in my first 100m race wearing baggy shorts, borrowed track spikes and without the benefit of starting blocks.

8Who’s your running idol?

My first coach, Tony Sharpe.

9What’s one running regret that you have?

Getting injured right before the 2017 World Championships.

10What was your most memorable race?

Winning two gold medals at the Pan Am Games in Toronto in 2015.

Madeleine Kelly is the 2019 Canadian national champion in the 800m and a web writer at Canadian Running. 9