‘It all starts here’: Olympic champion 4x100m relay team begins journey to world championships
The Canadian track and field team had an incredible run at the Paris Olympics last year, with one of the standout moments being the gold-medal victory in the men’s 4×100-metre relay final. The team, comprised of Andre De Grasse, Aaron Brown, Brendon Rodney, and Jerome Blake, captured the hearts of Canadians with their thrilling performance on the world stage.
Now, a year later, the same team is back at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, looking to use the event as a stepping stone towards the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September. The relay teams have the opportunity to qualify for the world championships by reaching the finals in Guangzhou, making this weekend’s competition crucial for Team Canada.
Head coach Glenroy Gilbert emphasizes the importance of the World Relays in setting the tone for the upcoming season. After the excitement of the Paris Olympics, Gilbert acknowledges that it can be challenging for athletes to maintain their focus and drive. However, he believes that this weekend’s competition will provide the perfect platform for the team to refocus and prepare for the world championships.
The Canadian team will be aiming to qualify for the men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m events, as well as the mixed 4x400m and 4x100m races. With the debut of the mixed 4x100m event at this year’s World Relays, there is added excitement for the Canadian athletes as they aim to secure their spots at the world championships.
Andre De Grasse, a key member of the gold-medal-winning relay team, acknowledges the importance of qualifying for the world championships and is confident in the team’s ability to perform well in Guangzhou. With experienced athletes like De Grasse, Brown, Rodney, and Blake leading the way, Team Canada is poised for success on the world stage.
In addition to the seasoned veterans, there is also a focus on developing the next generation of sprinters within the Canadian team. Athletes like Duan Asemota, Eliezer Adjibi, and Malachi Murray are getting valuable experience on the world stage, with the goal of eventually taking on leadership roles within the relay team.
With Coach Gilbert’s guidance and the team’s collective experience, the Canadian relay team is well-positioned for success at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou. As they aim to qualify for the world championships and continue their legacy of excellence in relay events, Team Canada is ready to showcase their talent and determination on the global stage once again.
