Andre De Grasse tells his inspiring story in new book, Ignite

In his nine-year professional career on the track, Canada’s most decorated male summer Olympian, Andre De Grasse, has nearly done it all–he’s broken national records, won Olympic and world championship golds and founded the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation to give opportunities to youth through sport. Now, De Grasse has come out with a book that follows the inspiring story behind his career, titled Ignite: Unlock The Hidden Potential Within, which hit stores across Canada on Tuesday.

In Ignite, DeGrasse shares important lessons from his improbable journey to becoming an Olympic champion. As one of the fastest men in Canadian history, De Grasse guides the reader through what it takes to perform at your best under pressure and continue to push the limits of what is possible. He shares inspiring stories and lessons he learned from his mother, his coaches and fellow athletes, emphasizing the determination, resilience and perseverance it takes to become the world’s best. Ignite is about taking advantage of the opportunities you’re given and discovering your hidden potential to confront life’s challenges, whether at work, at home or in the pursuit of your dreams.

Canadian Running sat down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with the six-time Olympic medallist after his 2023 season to chat about his new book.

Where did the idea to write Ignite come from? What’s the meaning behind the title? 

I never thought about writing a book, but I feel like I had a story to tell. Many write a book once their career is over; I never thought I’d be writing a book in the middle of my career. It feels weird, but the opportunity presented itself and people wanted to hear my story. 

I remember we were thinking about the title The Accidental Sprinter, but then we settled on Ignite, like trying to find a spark. It’s a word I felt resonated with me. I feel it’s a title people can relate to. I didn’t find track and field; track and field found me—I discovered my hidden potential within. It can help people on whatever journey they are going through in their life.

The book was published before your 2023 season—what’s the one thing from this season you’d add to it, if you could?

The chapter would be something like ‘The Journey Is the Film.’ Even though everything I’ve gone through this season has been a journey. If you were to document this season, it didn’t always go the way I wanted, but it had its happy ending (with the Diamond League title).

Throughout the book, there is a recurring theme of strong female figures in your life. As a father, what’s one piece of advice you’d give your daughter?

People always ask me if my daughter is going to do track when she’s older, but honestly, whatever she chooses to do, I’ll support her.

My advice is to find something that you are passionate about and have fun with it. When the opportunity presents itself, take it, and see if it’s something you’ll enjoy. Don’t be scared to try new things; there are always going to be ups and downs.

What role do you believe you stepped into and built in track and field?

When I was younger, I felt the pressure to live up to the hype of Usain Bolt and step into his shoes. I realized that might have been why I was signed (at the time). I wanted to carve out my own path. I may not be Usain Bolt, but I have established a brand for Andre De Grasse. I’ve faced challenges, but when I look back, I’d like to think I’ve had a decent career. I’ve won multiple medals, but the ultimate goal is always to win gold.

I’d compare my career to something like a basketball journey. I’ve reached the finals many times, and I’ve managed to earn some rings (medals) from those experiences. LeBron (James) has been to the NBA finals 10 times, but has only won four. You’re not always going to win, but if you give it your best effort, you can be content with the results.

What legacy would you like to leave? Could you see yourself becoming a coach?

Of course, the medals are great, but I want to pay it forward when it’s all said and done. That’s why I started my foundation. I believe that continuing to evolve in my career and striving to get even better will enable me to pay it forward. If I can accomplish that, it would be a dream come true.

With the Andre De Grasse Foundation, I’m constantly providing advice to kids on training and school. But during our last relay sprint camp, held before the 2023 World Championships, I began to pick Glenroy Gilbert’s brain. I asked him questions about his role as Athletics Canada’s head coach and the transition from being an athlete to a coaching role. Glenroy didn’t get into coaching until a few years after retiring, so who knows, I could potentially see myself starting at the grassroots level. I feel like I still have a long way to go in my career. Paris is on the horizon, and I also have aspirations of competing in L.A. in 2028. My goal is to become the best version of myself.

Who is the target audience for Ignite?

I think the book would be great for everybody. We all have to adapt to change. This book kind of describes that. You might not be on the path you want to be on, to embrace a new opportunity.