Published August 14, 2024

Djeneba Dosso

LJI Reporter

Last Thursday was a good day for the two Canadian 4×100-metre relay teams competing at the Paris Olympics. Both the men’s and women’s teams geared up for their final race at Stade de France after having secured a spot in the finals, following their performance in the heats. 

The men’s team, made up of Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney and Andre De Grasse, came in third place in the second round of heats, just behind France in second place and China in first. Meanwhile, the women’s team was in fourth position behind Jamaica, France and Great Britain. Their team members were Sade McCreath, Jacqueline Madogo, Marie-Eloïse Leclair and Gatineau-native, recently named Canada’s fastest woman, Audrey Leduc. The four women secured their spot in the finals with ease, simultaneously setting a new national record time of 42.50 seconds, once 42.60. Madogo, an Ottawa-native, commented that their success out on the field was closely linked to their excellent communication. 

The finals took place the next day on August 9, with half the men’s team racing in poor health. While De Grasse was pushing through the pain of a lingering hamstring injury, his teammate Brown was fighting a stomach bug acquired during the pre-Olympic camp in Barcelona. Despite this, the men’s relay team still managed to win their race and the finals in 37.50 seconds, bringing the gold medal back to Canada with them on Monday. 

The women’s team, unfortunately, did not make it to the podium on Friday, finishing their race in 6th place. They displayed an impressive performance nonetheless and returned home as holder of yet another national record. 

The 2024 Paris Olympics officially ended on Sunday. Canada brought home 27 medals, nine of them gold. 

Photo caption 

Photo #1: Canada’s men’s 4x100m relay team left the Paris Olympics with a bang, bringing home the gold medal after Friday’s race. (DD) Photo: Courtesy of Canada Olympic Committee. 

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