Canada’s victory in the men’s 4x100m relay is a testament to their preparation, teamwork, and determination, making it a historic moment in Olympic athletics.
Paris, August 9, 2024 – In a thrilling race that stunned the athletics world, Canada’s men’s 4x100m relay team captured gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a time of 37.50 seconds. This victory marks a remarkable achievement for the Canadian quartet, led by anchor Andre De Grasse, who also won gold in the 200m at Tokyo 2020.
The Canadian team, comprising Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney, and Andre De Grasse, executed near-flawless baton exchanges on their way to the top of the podium. Aaron Brown started strong, Jerome Blake took over on the back straight, and Brendon Rodney ran a blazing bend before handing off to De Grasse. In the final meters, De Grasse held off a fast-approaching Akani Simbine of South Africa to secure the win.
Final Standings – Men’s 4x100m Relay, Paris 2024
- Canada – 37.50 seconds
- South Africa – 37.57 seconds (African record)
- Great Britain – 37.61 seconds
South Africa’s silver medal performance, marked by a new African record, featured impressive runs from their team, while Great Britain rounded out the podium with a strong finish for bronze.
Canada’s gold adds to their illustrious relay history, building on their silver from Tokyo 2020 and bronze from Rio 2016, and harking back to their previous gold in Atlanta 1996. This win represents Canada’s third consecutive Olympic podium finish in the 4x100m relay.
Meanwhile, the United States, who were the favorites coming into Paris 2024 after victories at the 2023 World Athletics Championships and the World Relays in Nassau, were disqualified due to a mishandled first baton exchange, adding to their recent relay struggles on the Olympic stage.
Comments from the Canadian Team:
- Andre De Grasse: “This feels incredible. Winning gold with these guys is something we’ve worked so hard for. To do it here in Paris, with the world watching, is just amazing.”
- Aaron Brown: “We knew we had it in us. We practiced those baton exchanges countless times, and today it all came together perfectly.”
- Jerome Blake: “The energy in the stadium was electric. We fed off that and just ran our hearts out.”
- Brendon Rodney: “This is a dream come true. To be part of this team and win gold for Canada is beyond words.”
