Quick takes with Canada's fastest man Andre De Grasse
With just 50 days to the Rio Olympics Canada's sprint star weighs in on a year of big changes
Sprint sensation Andre De Grasse headlines a deep field at this year's Harry Jerome Track Classic Friday evening at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby.
De Grasse is coming off a transformative year in which he went from little-known college athlete to world champion bronze medalist, signing a US $11.25 million sponsorship contract with sportswear company Puma along the way.
No Canadian athlete will feel a hotter spotlight at the Rio Olympics where De Grasse is set to race in the 100, 200 and 4x100 metre relay.
The 21-year-old Markham, Ont. native took time out to talk to the CBC's Ian Hanomansing about his crazy year, Olympic expectations and what it's like racing head-to-head with the legendary Usain Bolt.
Q&A with Andre De Grasse
Hanomansing: it's been an unbelievable ride for you in the last year. As you look back — the Pan Ams in your home town, the world championships, the new contract — what stands out?
De Grasse: It's been an amazing feeling being able to do all that in one year. It's a lot. Now I'm here getting ready for the Harry Jerome and getting ready for the Olympic trials. It's a dream come true for me. I'm keeping the momentum going. To be able to accomplish all of it — I'm speechless.
Hanomansing: How are you handling all the fame and attention and everyone wanting a piece of you?
De Grasse: I've been trying to find that balance to be able to race and train and still be there for my sponsors and still have the chance to be with my family and friends. It's been a tough journey so far, but I'm starting to get the hang of it. I'm not able to please everybody, but I have to focus on what counts most and what got me here. Now I just want to block all that out and get ready for the big show.
Hanomansing: At this point are you laser focused on the 100 metres at the Olympics?
De Grasse: I'm not too worried about the Olympics yet. I'm trying to adapt to some new changes. I've been trying to get back to where I was last year. I started off the season a little slow, but I'm starting to find my way again so this meet is going to to determine a lot for me going forward to the Olympic trials.
Cool and confident
Hanomansing: A year ago you were at the NCAA university championships in the United States and everyone was talking about your raw talent, your pure ability and how your potential was limitless. Now you're no longer the newcomer. Does that put more pressure on you?
De Grasse: Not really. Me, I'm a competitive athlete, I don't worry too much about what people say. I know my capability, I know how hard I've worked over the past year. There's always pressure, on or off the track.
Hanomansing: Tomorrow we will hear if the Russian track athletes for Rio will be banned. There's been a shadow over the Olympics because of what appears to be organized doping by Russian athletes. How do you feel about what's happening?
De Grasse: Especially for the clean athletes, it's tough. You can't control what's going on with other people. You can only control yourself. I'll have to leave it up the IAAF. That's something they have to deal with. I can't control what's going on with the Russian federation or other federations.
Bring on the testers
Hanomansing: How often are you tested for doping?
De Grasse: I get tested once every two weeks or after every competition. I know I'm a clean athlete, so they can come anytime they want. It's not going to faze me.
Hanomansing: Usain Bolt is trying for a third straight gold in the 100 metres. You're going to face him in August. How do you prepare for that?
De Grasse: Usain Bolt is one of the best. it will be tough to beat him. I know he's on top of his game. Last year he had a couple of injuries, but this year he's healthy, and he's working ten times harder to win triple gold in Rio. But I'm going to try my best for my country, for myself and for my friends and family to try and stop him. I'm working hard for it, that's all I can say.