Editorial: Jean-Francois M.
As the Paris 2024 Olympics concluded, one name shone brighter than ever: Andre De Grasse. With his stunning gold medal in the 4x100m relay, De Grasse cemented his status as Canada’s greatest Olympian. While Penny Oleksiak shares the title of Canada’s most decorated Olympian with seven medals, De Grasse’s achievements stand taller, and here’s why.
The Pressure of the Spotlight
In the world of athletics, the 100m race is the pinnacle event—the one that crowns the fastest person on Earth. The pressure is immense, and the whole world watches. Andre De Grasse carried this weight and delivered, particularly in the 4x100m relay, an event that’s always a must-watch. This contrasts with Oleksiak’s experience in Paris, where she wasn’t selected for the final relay. Instead, she watched from the sidelines as her younger teammate, Summer McIntosh, took the spotlight. This was a sour finish to what has been an incredible career, underscoring the harsh realities of elite competition.
Gold Matters Most
Let’s be clear—gold medals are the ultimate measure of an athlete’s greatness. While both De Grasse and Oleksiak have two golds, De Grasse’s came in moments of intense pressure, where he had to shoulder the hopes of a nation in the most scrutinized event of the Games. He didn’t just participate; he dominated. His ability to perform consistently across three Olympic Games, especially under the brightest lights, makes him a clutch performer and a true champion.
A Legacy of Resilience
De Grasse’s journey is one of relentless pursuit and clutch performances. Even when faced with setbacks, such as not qualifying for individual finals in Paris, he rallied his team to an unexpected gold in the 4x100m relay. This resilience and ability to deliver when it counts is what defines an Olympic legend.
The Spotlight on De Grasse
Athletics commands the biggest stage at the Olympics, and the 100m is the event that draws the world’s eyes. De Grasse has consistently shone in this spotlight, distinguishing himself as a performer who thrives under pressure. This ability to shine in the most critical moments sets him apart from other athletes, even those as accomplished as Oleksiak.
Acknowledging Other Greats
Canada has produced many legendary athletes—Wayne Gretzky, Catriona Le May Doan, and yes, Penny Oleksiak. But today, Andre De Grasse stands out as the symbol of Canadian excellence on the global stage. His seven medals across three Games, with two golds in the most high-pressure events, solidify his place in history.
The Final Verdict
Andre De Grasse didn’t just match Penny Oleksiak’s medal count; he surpassed it in significance and impact. In the end, it’s not just about the number of medals but the weight of those victories. De Grasse’s gold in Paris, especially after a challenging Olympic journey, is the crowning achievement of a career that has defined a generation.
Neither De Grasse nor Oleksiak has officially announced their retirement. So while this editorial may crown De Grasse as the greatest today, the story might not be over. Come Los Angeles 2028, we may be revisiting this conversation. And if either of them adds to their medal count, it would be a privilege to rewrite this piece, celebrating even more Canadian greatness.
Canada, it’s time to recognize Andre De Grasse as our greatest Olympian ever. He’s earned it, race by race, medal by medal, and gold by gold.
