“Wish I Was Younger”: 2x Olympic Gold Medalist Makes Honest Career Confession as Track and Field Welcomes New Era of Sport

Remember his blazing 19.76s Diamond League win for a 200m event in 2023? Yeah, that exact Canadian sprinter lit up the track in Gainesville, anchoring a powerful finish that reminded fans exactly why he’s still a name to beat. After claiming victory in the men’s 200m at the Florida Relays on April 4, Andre De Grasse is now gearing up for a fiery showdown at the Botswana Grand Prix. But, wait… While the stopwatch told one story, his post-race reflections hinted at something deeper.

He had previously won gold in the distance at the Tokyo Olympics Games, and at the Florida Relays, he managed to put up a time of 20.32 seconds and finished ahead of Robert Gregory of the United States by just four-tenths of a second. Looks like his coach Mike Holloway is working his magic!

Moving on, while talking with Olympic medalist Rori Dunk after the Gainesville race, Grasse candidly talked about his wishes, a video of which was later uploaded on X under the caption: “We talked about the new Puma jersey, the 4x100m anchor leg, retirement, grand slam, and more 🎤👇.” And when asked about all the track developments happening, so much more money coming into the sport, the Canadian sprinter said, “Yeah, it’s great. I mean, it’s great for the sport.” And what does he think about the same?

Track and field is changing—and Andre De Grasse knows it. With the Grand Slam gaining traction, sponsorship dollars soaring, and new international circuits turning athletes into global stars, it’s an exciting time for the sport. But for Canada’s most decorated male Olympian, the timing feels just a little bittersweet. “I feel like I wish I was a little bit younger so I could enjoy the benefit more,” De Grasse shared candidly.

Track and field has undergone a major transformation over the years. From stricter shoe regulations to innovations like the “World Rankings” system, World Athletics has pushed the sport into a new era of structure and visibility. Athletes now have greater access to performance data, sponsorship opportunities, and media exposure—especially through NIL deals (for college athletes). Legends like Andre De Grasse have also helped elevate the sport’s global appeal and while the medals do speak for themselves, his initial contract with Puma was also considered as one of the most lucrative deals for a track and field athlete at the time. 

In December 2015, he signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Puma, reportedly valued at $11.25 million. Now, here’s the kicker: if we include the potential bonuses, the total would be somewhere close to $30 million. After all, he did just have an exceptional year where he secured two bronze medals at the World Championships and clinched both the 100m and 200m titles at the NCAA Championships.

Moving on, it’s a rare moment of reflection from an athlete who has long been at the forefront of international sprinting. De Grasse, now 30, is still a force to be reckoned with, which explains why retirement isn’t on his radar—not even close. “But, you know, I’m still going to keep going. You know, I feel pretty good. So I’m not thinking about retiring anytime soon,” De Grasse shared. In fact, he’s gearing up to write the next chapter of his legacy—one race at a time.

Andre De Grasse is looking forward to more races

Andre De Grasse isn’t slowing down anytime soon. After his blazing 200m win at the Florida Relays, the Canadian sprinter is already eyeing his next big stage—the Botswana Grand Prix on April 12, and he’s set to face none other than defending champ Letsile Tebogo. Safe to say, fans are in for a showdown. What’s even more exciting?

Well, De Grasse has his sights set on the Grand Slam track events popping up across the globe. “I’m going to try to get into that, you know, try to get into that mix. Definitely all the Grand Slams,” he said. Pointing to potential appearances, he further added, “Try to get into one of those races coming up, maybe Miami or Philadelphia. And then, yeah, just keep going on the circuit and, you know, try to make as much money as I can for my kids and my family.” With more prize money and visibility on the table, these high-profile meets could be game-changers—not just for him, but for the sport as a whole.

A big part of his recent momentum? Coach Mike Holloway. Since joining his training group last November, De Grasse says he’s feeling stronger and more confident. Talking about his coach, Grasse said, “He’s been doing a great job with me and I can’t complain so far.” The Olympic medalist further added, “I’m healthy, I’m feeling good, and I just got to continue to keep building,” he shared.

If this early-season form is any hint, the sprint king might just be gearing up for one of his best years yet. Even if he wishes he were a few years younger, the drive to compete, provide, and leave a lasting mark burns just as bright.