Olympic champion Andre De Grasse named to Order of Ontario

Canada’s most decorated track and field athlete has received the highest honour available to civilians in his home province of Ontario. On Monday, the Ontario government recognized Andre De Grasse with the Order of Ontario. He joins 26 other new appointees, which include NHL Hall of Famer Eric Lindros and 2010 Winter Olympic gold medallist Christine Nesbitt.

The Order of Ontario is bestowed on individuals who have made a lasting impact in Ontario and around the world. De Grasse, 28, has represented Canada on the world stage. The two-time Olympian has claimed six Olympic medals (one gold, two silver and three bronze) and five medals at world championships throughout his eight-year professional career.

“It’s super cool to be recognized in this way alongside so many amazing people,” says De Grasse. “I’m proud to be from Ontario and of the work I’m doing on and off the track. I want to lead by example.” 

Beyond his achievements on the track, De Grasse has made a mark by creating the Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship Program, which he started in 2018. The program provides support and necessary services for high school student-athletes, enabling them to maximize both their athletic and academic potential.

De Grasse, who is the reigning Olympic 200m champion, grew up in humble circumstances in the Toronto suburbs of Scarborough and Markham. In his early high school years, he was involved in basketball, and only discovered track in his senior year. In his first high school track race, De Grasse competed wearing basketball shorts, borrowed spikes and opted to ditch the starting blocks for a standing start. His impressive performance, despite the lack of proper racing attire and starting blocks, caught the attention of former Olympic sprinter and coach Tony Sharpe, marking the start of De Grasse’s remarkable journey.

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

De Grasse went on to win NCAA Championships in the 100m and 200m at the University of Southern California, which led him to a record-setting pro contract with Puma in 2015. He racked up three medals at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and followed those up with another three medal-earning performances in Tokyo, including his Canadian record-setting 19.62 seconds to win gold in the men’s 200m. This past season, De Grasse became the first Canadian track athlete to win a Diamond League title (in the 200m).

In October, De Grasse published his first book, titled Ignite: Unlock The Hidden Potential Within, which shares inspiring stories and lessons he learned from his mother, coaches and fellow athletes, emphasizing the determination, resilience and perseverance it takes to become the one of the world’s best.

The incoming Lieutenant Governor for Ontario, Edith Dumont, will present the Order of Ontario to De Grasse and the other new appointees in a ceremony on Nov. 27.