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Olympic medallist Akeem Haynes signs with CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats

The sprinter decides to pursue his first love, but hasn't ruled out making Team Canada in 2020

Akeem Haynes, a 2016 Canadian Olympic Medallist in the 4×100 metres, has signed a professional contract as a receiver with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the CFL. The 5-foot-7, 170-lb. athlete who was raised in Calgary admitted to having aspirations to being a football player since graduating high school in 2010.

Since competing in Rio, Haynes has worked out with the Calgary Stampeders receivers and kick-returners.

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Haynes was a “reluctant track star” who had received a scholarship to the University of Alabama, where he became an All-American in track and field.

The sprinter owns personal bests of 10.15 for 100m and 20.83 for 200m, and confidently told CBC Sports that his speed will be unparalleled on the gridiron. “Obviously when it comes to moving forward north and south,” says Haynes, “there’s no doubt in my mind that I’d be the fastest player in the CFL. If anyone wants to question that, we can set up a race.”

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Despite his longing to play football, Haynes has not ruled out competing for Canada at the Tokyo Summer Games in 2020.

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