A perusal of my Facebook newsfeed was certainly a tense and nail-biting moment for me as I was thorn between which country to whom I should pledge my allegiance since I was born and raised in the Caribbean but now residing in Canada. ANDRE DE GRASSE of Canada ran alongside USAIN BOLT of JAMAICA. I supported both athletes but in the end I was forced to choose #TeamCanada since I live here but deep in my heart I celebrated #TeamJamaica as well. There were many speculations as to whether or not JAMAICAN SUPER STAR and defending 2 times champion USAIN BOLT will put on a stellar performance and retain his championship as he did in Britain four years ago since it is a known fact that he was not able to attend the Olympic trial meet in his country due to injuries. Eyes were set on SILVER MEDALIST from the London 2012 Games JUSTIN GATLIN to win this race. However, Bolt showed up and showed out winning the race, making it THREE TIMES IN A ROW with a time of 9.81.
The biggest surprise of the night was our very own CANADIAN rookie ANDRE DE GRASSE placing 3rd with a time of 9.91. The 21 year old BRONZE MEDALIST has media buzzing with his PERSONAL BEST at his 1st OLYMPIC. This is no doubt great for TRACK AND FIELD in Canada.
It is amazing how confident De Grasse seemed as he approached his starting block not showing any signs that he was intimidated by the big names that he lined up to race against. In an interview with CBC TV De Grasse said that for him to be among Gatlin and Bolt was in itself an honour and the bronze medal is good enough for him as he prepares for the next Olympic four years from now, granted he has had a series of ups and downs of injuries prior to the Rio games.
De Grasse came into to the race as the DARK HORSE and surprised many. Seeing the friendly interaction between the Canadian and the Jamaican minutes after the race was certainly a breath of fresh air. Bolt was heard on camera saying to De Grasse that he told his Jamaican teammate to watch out for him because he is fast, pretty much explaining why he outran Yohan Blake of Jamaica for the 3rd spot.
After this race tonight it is safe to say that Bolt may be on his way out and De Grasse will be the next athlete to watch for the next Olympic games. He is only 21 years old with about 10 more years before him.
Since DONAVAN BAILEY won the title back in 1996, CANADA had never been a serious contender at the 100M race. Thanks to De Grasse that might just change.
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