Andre DeGrasse qualifies for 200m final, nearly beats Bolt, sets Canadian record

The coming out party continues.

Canada’s budding superstar Andre DeGrasse is putting on a show in Rio. DeGrasse put an exclamation mark on qualifying for the 200m final on Wednesday night by breaking his own Canadian record.

De Grasse on Bolt: “I don’t think he expected me to do that.” https://t.co/NaOF6r4EHq

— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) August 18, 2016

The Markham, Ont. native ran in lane five, right next to Usain Bolt. The two distanced themselves from the field quickly, with Bolt leading the way. DeGrasse, who has been taken under the wing of  the Jamaican sprinter at these Games as the heir apparent, closed on Bolt in the last 30m and nearly beat him to the line.

The bromance continues. All smiles between Bolt and De Grasse as they cross the finish line #DeBolt https://t.co/vtHo2cGKHv

— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) August 18, 2016

The crowd erupted, as both of these fan-favourites put on a show.

Meanwhile, another stunning turn of events took place just as Bolt and DeGrasse cooled down from their fantastics runs. American Justin Gatlin, seen as a medal favourite in the 200m, did not advance, finishing third in his heat. He was in the lead, but eased up, perhaps thinking he had a qualification spot locked down.

#PAN Alonso Edward wins final 200m semifinal heat (20.07). #USA Justin Gatlin fails to qualify for final (20.13) https://t.co/Spn2qwn1gv

— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) August 18, 2016

Final startlist:

ORDER / LANE	BIB	ATHLETE	COUNTRY	SB 2016	PB
1	3001	Ramil GULIYEV	TUR	20.09	19.88
2	2454	Adam GEMILI	GBR	20.07	19.98
3	2818	Alonso EDWARD	PAN	20.04	19.81
4	2196	Andre DE GRASSE	CAN	19.80	19.80
5	3090	LaShawn MERRITT	USA	19.74	19.74
6	2612	Usain BOLT	JAM	19.78	19.19
7	2427	Christophe LEMAITRE	FRA	20.01	19.80
8	2785	Churandy MARTINA	NED	20.10	19.85