It will go down as one of the most exciting victories in Canadian Olympic history.
The Canadian men’s 4×100-metre relay team of Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney and anchor Andre De Grasse captured shocking gold on Friday at the Olympics.
Canada finished in 37.50 seconds, just ahead of South Africa (37.57). Great Britain was third in 37.61 seconds.
It is the seventh career Olympic medal for De Grasse, who has to be considered one of Canada’s greatest Olympians after this stirring performance while battling a hamstring injury. The native of Markham, Ont., is now tied with swimmer Penny Oleksiak for most medals ever won by a Canadian at the Olympics.
The powerhouse Americans, missing star Noah Lyles (withdrew because of COVID-19), were disqualified after botching an exchange. Jamaica, a fellow power, failed to qualify for the final.
It is the third consecutive Olympic medal for Canada in this event after silver in 2021 and bronze in 2016. It is Canada’s first gold medal in the event since Donovan Bailey and Co. stood on top of the podium in 1996 in Atlanta.
It is Canada’s 23rd medal and seventh gold at Paris 2024. The seventh gold ties a national record for most-ever won at a non-boycotted Summer Olympics.
Canada finished third in its heat in 38.39 seconds on Thursday to narrowly move on. The top three in each of the two heats and the next two best times earned spots in the final. Canada got the outside ninth lane for the final after eking out a spot.
De Grasse and the rest of the Canadian sprinters struggled in individual events. De Grasse didn’t even reach the final in the 100 or 200 metres.
After being eliminated in the 200 metres, De Grasse said he was battling a hamstring injury.
Canada finished second at the World Athletics Relays in May, showing good form before the Olympics.
Meanwhile, Canada’s Sade McCreath, Jacqueline Madogo, Marie-Eloise Leclair and Audrey Leduc finished sixth in the women’s 4×100-metre relay in 42.69 seconds in pouring rain.
The United States, anchored by 100-metre silver medallist Sha’Carri Richardson, won in 41.78 seconds, just ahead of Great Britain (41.85). Germany was third in 41.97.
Canada clocked a national-record time of 42.50 seconds in its heat Thursday to finish fourth and earn a spot in Friday’s final. It was the seventh-fastest time among the eight finalists.
Canada finished seventh in this event at the World Athletics Relays.