Andre De Grasse’s cool shades match his gold medal

Lots of athletes wear sunglasses to run track, but we have a feeling the distinctive shades that 200m gold medallist Andre De Grasse has worn in each of his races in Tokyo are about to become one of the most popular items on the Internet, considering the athlete’s well-earned victory. De Grasse will now forever be associated with the futuristic Oakley Xeus sunglasses he has sported in all his races.

RELATED: Andre De Grasse takes 200m gold in 19.62, another Canadian record

De Grasse’s 100m heat on July 31 was the first time the Xeus have been worn publicly. The company says the glasses were, appropriately, inspired by the kabuto helmets worn by Japanese samurai warriors. During an Olympics that has presented infinite logistical challenges, the brand actually created a custom robot in Japan to get the sunglasses to its athlete partners. 

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Elle Purrier St. Pierre also wore sporty shades at the U.S. Trials, and has continued to do so in Tokyo, as have her compatriots, Val Constien (who wore super-rad shades in the first round of the steeplechase) and Isaiah Jewett, whose fall during the men’s 800m semi-final ended his Tokyo dream. (Come to think of it, we have never seen the American without his trademark sunglasses.) The item becomes iconic, though, when worn during a gold-medal performance. 

The action continues on the track in Tokyo today, with Day 2 of the men’s decathlon and women’s heptathlon, the opening rounds of the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays and the men’s 110m hurdles final. For the full schedule and results, click here.