wearing. Oakley Sphaera Inner Spark
There were a few eye-catching and jaw-dropping moments at the past 2024 Olympics and at the center of one was Olympian Andre De Grasse. To put it simply: he is an athletic powerhouse. A seven-time Olympic medallist, he’s tied as Canada’s all-time most decorated Olympian. In Paris 2024, he was the anchor for the men’s 4x100m relay team which included Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, and Brendon Rodney, and helped bring their team to victory.
Now, as he chats with Schön! dressed in Oakley, it’s clear that it’s been an incredible journey for someone who began running track at 17.
What was it like to celebrate the win together?
It was really special for all of us, especially considering that each of us individually had struggled in Paris. To have a complete set of medals from the past three Olympics is incredible. I’m so proud of our team. We have come a long way from kids to grown men. We have all been together for so long that I consider these guys like my brothers now.
You were Canada’s co-flagbearer for the opening ceremonies and you are now Canada’s most decorated Olympians of all time! What does that honour mean to you?
It was a tremendous honour to be asked to carry the flag for my country at the Olympics. I took a lot of positive energy away from that experience, which really helped given the frustration of my injury I was dealing with. Coming away with the gold medal in the relay and being told I had become the most decorated Olympian in Canada was a surreal feeling!
You’ve been working with Oakley, what has the collaboration process been like between you and them?
It’s been a lot of fun participating in campaign shoots along with other athletes from different sports. I really like being involved in the design process and having the opportunity to tailor my shades the way I like them. It was cool to celebrate my gold medal at the Oakley Exoplanetary Outpost in Paris. One of my favourite sponsors I’ve ever worked with in my career. It’s truly a family getting to go on retreats and getting a chance to visit the HQ and see how they are made.
What is it about Oakley sunglasses that appeals to you? How does it help your sprinting?
They fit well and they’ve become an extension of myself just like wearing running shoes. The PRIZM lenses help reduce glare, especially with the bright lights in some of the stadiums I race in. My Oakley shades are like part of my armour when I go to battle on the track. They protect my eyes but they also give me confidence and that extra swagger I need. I can’t go anywhere without my Oakleys now. They’re part of my lifestyle on and off the track.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, both in terms of your athletic career and your aspirations? How do you envision your legacy in the world of track and field?
I want to get to one more Olympics and win a world title in the 100m. I know that if I stay healthy for a couple of years, I can do that. With 12 Olympic and World Championship medals going back to 2015 and more hardware on the horizon, I think my legacy will be consistency of performing when the lights of been the brightest over a long period of time. I believe the resilience I’ve exhibited throughout my career will be part of my legacy in the sport — like the way I’ve battled back from injuries, made adjustments and enjoyed success under different coaches and at various stages of my career. I hope I’m also setting a new standard for what’s possible for track & field athletes off the track and being a good role model.
Starting my own charitable foundation inspiring and empowering youth through access to sport, education and health care is something I’m proud of. I started with it back in 2018 when I’d only been a pro for a couple of years. More recently, I wrote a personal empowerment book titled “IGNITE: Unlock The Hidden Potential Within,” and an illustrated children’s book, “Race With Me!” We have a biopic in the works now and I’ve got a great team of advisors at IGNITE Ventures helping me invest in a variety of businesses. I’ve got my second wine label being released shortly called “SEVEN.” And I’m excited to be the owner of a new women’s professional soccer team in my hometown of Toronto.
Follow Andre De Grasse at @de6rasse and learn more about Oakley at oakley.com.
