Andre De Grasse’s coach speaks on last-minute pull out of World Champs: “He could be running for another decade. This is just a blip.”
The lead-up to the World Championships took a sour turn for Andre De Grasse who is now injured. Here's what coach has to say:
Last night, Canadian hearts broke as Andre De Grasse delivered some extra sad news: he’s no longer in shape to race at World Championships this year. For many, De Grasse’s presence on the track was to be the best part of the event which kicks off tomorrow and runs until Aug. 13 in London. Not only is the Markham, Ont. athlete absolutely phenomenal, but he was also to race Usain Bolt for one last time before the Jamaican legend retires. After their bromance took the main stage in Rio, many track fans – both Canadian and international – were waiting for this final showdown. Now, it looks like Rio was in fact their last dance as a hamstring tear has caused the Canadian sprinter to sit on the sidelines for now.
After De Grasse broke the news, the internet reacted and so did his coach, Stuart McMillan saying that not getting a chance to race Bolt will be the hardest part for the athlete. Here’s a quick take on the murmurings around the web from De Grasse’s coach and sponsors.
The statement from De Grasse
After sustaining an injury this week, I’m devastated to let my fans know that I will be unable to compete in London.https://t.co/83S8RiyyLE
— Andre De Grasse (@De6rasse) August 2, 2017
Word from the coach…
Personal coach of Andre De Grasse, @StuartMcMillan1 transparent & optimistic about his hamstring injury. @CBCOlympics #IAAFWorlds Part 1. pic.twitter.com/8fJ7Pdc7Ab
— Perdita Felicien (@perditafelicien) August 3, 2017
Personal coach of Andre De Grasse, @StuartMcMillan1 media update on his injury. @CBCOlympics #IAAFWorlds Part 2. pic.twitter.com/xgMG5iRdyL
— Perdita Felicien (@perditafelicien) August 3, 2017
Personal coach of Andre De Grasse, @StuartMcMillan1 on sponsor response to his injury. @CBCOlympics #IAAFWorlds Part 3. pic.twitter.com/jn75NB4wKA
— Perdita Felicien (@perditafelicien) August 3, 2017
Personal coach of Andre De Grasse, @StuartMcMillan1 on what this means for Andres future. @CBCOlympics #IAAFWorlds Part 4/4. pic.twitter.com/FeMcxio6Ws
— Perdita Felicien (@perditafelicien) August 3, 2017
Injuries –
There’s ALWAYS a reason. The complexity of the system renders deduction a difficult process pic.twitter.com/gogW7a674O— Stuart McMillan (@StuartMcMillan1) August 3, 2017
Not going to lie – this one hurts. An athlete should NEVER get hurt during a taper. Debrief process starts immediately
— Stuart McMillan (@StuartMcMillan1) August 3, 2017
… and the sponsors
The PUMA family sends well-wishes and support to @De6rasse today. We look forward to the many victories to come. pic.twitter.com/XFMb9pk93F
— PUMA Running (@PUMARunning) August 3, 2017