Andre De Grasse
Canada's fastest man, whose explosive late-race speed has propelled him to become the nation's most decorated Olympic athlete.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Canadian sprinter·Birthday: November 10·Millennials
Biography
Andre De Grasse's ascent in track and field felt like it happened in a blur. Discovered at a high school track meet wearing basketball shorts and borrowed spikes, his raw talent was undeniable. He announced himself to the world at the 2015 Pan Am Games on home soil, winning gold in the 100m and 200m. A year later at the Rio Olympics, his beaming smile and thrilling duels with Usain Bolt captured global attention, as he claimed silver in the 200m and bronze in the 100m. After battling injuries, he delivered his crowning individual performance at the Tokyo Games, surging to gold in the 200m. His relentless drive culminated in Paris 2024, where a gold in the 4x100m relay tied him for the title of Canada's most decorated Olympian, cementing his legacy as a clutch performer on the biggest stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andre was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andre Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Andre's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the Olympic champion in the 200 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
- Won a gold medal in the 4x100m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics, tying Penny Oleksiak as Canada's most decorated Olympian.
- Captured three medals (silver in 200m, bronze in 100m and 4x100m relay) at his first Olympic Games in Rio 2016.
Did You Know?
He was discovered by a coach while running a 100m race in basketball shorts at age 17.
He has a sponsorship deal with a pasta company, often posting about eating spaghetti before races.
He and his partner, American hurdler Nia Ali, are one of track and field's premier power couples, both being Olympic medalists.
“I just try to go out there and have fun. That's when I perform my best.”
