Surin excited to mentor Canada’s athletes in Paris

Ex-sprint star Bruny Surin drew inspiration from Canadian athletes at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Canada climbed the podium 24 times in Tokyo to finish 11th in total medals, despite facing some of the tightest COVID-19 restrictions in prior months of any country competing. And the pandemic meant no fans were permitted in Tokyo.

“The athletes really showed they’re resilient,” he said.

Surin, part of Canada’s 4x100-metre relay team that raced to gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, was named the Canadian team’s chef de mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday, and reflected on the unique Games last summer.

The 54-year-old worked as an analyst for the men’s 100 metres as part of the French TV broadcast, and went to Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium the day before the final.

“I thought, ‘Oh my god, this is going to be crazy. No spectators, and the ambience is going to be so bad,’ ” said Surin, who was also in Tokyo in a role with sponsor Hudson’s Bay Company. “And then I witnessed world records, and also seeing Andre (De Grasse) win bronze in the 100 metres with a P.B. (personal best), gold in the 200 … that shows us, although there was a big problem with COVID, the athletes showed that yes, we can get through it, and that was a big inspiration for all people, and gave us courage to move forward.”

The chef de mission, or “head of mission,” is an ambassador for the entire team leading into and during the Games. Surin is excited to help guide Canada’s athletes.

“Since my retirement, I always said to myself that I’d like to work with athletes, to share experience with athletes, to play the role as a mentor to athletes, to the next generation,” Surin said. “And I always want to be involved in the Olympic movement. Having this opportunity, and to me it’s like a big gift, and I’m really looking forward to working with the athletes and the COC (Canadian Olympic Committee).”

The 54-year-old is one of Canada’s most decorated sprinters, winning two world 4x100 titles, plus world silver in the 100 metres in 1995 and ’99. He also has two world indoor titles in the 60 metres, in 1993 in Toronto and 1995.

Surin still co-holds the Canadian 100-metre record of 9.84 seconds with Donovan Bailey.

The Paris Olympics are July 26 to Aug. 11.