Andre De Grasse receives Order of Canada
Canada's most decorated male Olympian was recognized for his achievements as an athlete, philanthropist and champion of young athletes
Nick Iwanyshyn
Canada’s most decorated male Olympian, sprinter Andre De Grasse, has been named a Member of the Order of Canada, which recognizes outstanding achievement by Canadians. The honour will be conferred at an investiture ceremony to be held at Ottawa’s Rideau Hall, residence of Governor General Mary Simon, sometime in the new year. The announcement appeared on The Globe and Mail’s website on Wednesday.
In 2018, De Grasse launched the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation and the Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship Program, which support high school track athletes from underserved communities.
De Grasse grew up in Markham, Ont., and in his Grade 12 year, coach Tony Sharpe recruited him to the Speed Academy. De Grasse went on to win two Olympic titles, a world championship title and a Diamond League title; with seven Olympic medals, he’s now tied for Canada’s most decorated Olympian.
Andre De Grasse launches holiday sprint festival to drive inclusivity in track
The Order of Canada has three levels–Member, Officer and Companion (the highest level). De Grasse is one of 59 Members named to the order on Wednesday, and one of 80 new appointees in total. Other Canadian athletes similarly honoured in the past include Canadian 100m record holder Donovan Bailey (in 2022), track legend Bruny Surin (in 2021) and 800m runner Charmaine Crooks (in 2013).
De Grasse is the only track and field athlete to be named to the Order at this time. He received the Order of Ontario in 2023.
The citation reads, in part: “Seven-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse made history at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as the first Canadian to medal in all three sprint events. He repeated the feat at Tokyo 2020 and added a seventh medal in Paris 2024. Beyond the track, this philanthropist and author empowers youth to fulfil their potential.”
De Grasse was a member of Canada’s 4×100 relay team at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, winning silver in the event along with Aaron Brown, Brendon Rodney and Jerome Blake.
