Andre De Grasse passes on pay day, returns to school

After exploding onto the world sprint scene over the past three months, Markham, Ont., native Andre De Grasse has opted to return to the University of Southern California to finish his degree, forgoing a rumoured seven-figure shoe deal.

De Grasse had a breakout season, first handily winning the 100m and 200m events at the NCAA championships ahead of favourite and eventual world championship co-bronze medallist Trayvon Bromell. He then won both events again at the Pan Am Games in front of a home crowd. Finally, he finished to season with two world championship bronze medals in the 100m and 4x100m relay.

Many suspected De Grasse would turn pro at the conclusion of the season. He slightly dodged the question in Beijing, telling the CBC his mother wanted him to finish his schooling but not directly answering the question. He’s now confirmed he will finish his final year of college.

Back to reality?✏️?

— Andre De Grasse (@De6rasse) September 2, 2015

At only 20 years old, De Grasse has many potential years of sprinting left in his legs—the two he was beaten by at world championships, Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin, are 29 and 33, respectively—but it’s also a cutthroat industry where even a minor injury can drastically reduce your value to sponsors.

NCAA athletes are not allowed to accept prize money or sponsorship deals if they are to remain eligible to compete. Though they certainly wouldn’t have made the bulk of his potential pay day, De Grasse is also giving up the US$20,000 prize for his world championship 100m performance and a cut of the $80,000 prize from his relay medal to continue racing at USC.