ECNETNews, New York, NY, August 10, 2024: Immigrants play a vital role in global achievements, and that was exemplified by Caribbean-rooted sprinters Aaron Brown, Jerome Blake, Brendon Rodney, and Andre De Grasse, who proudly represented Canada by securing gold in the Men’s 4x100m Relay final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The talented team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with a time of 37.50 seconds, earning them the top podium position.
The Canadian relay team previously showcased their skills at the 2020 Tokyo Games, where they initially claimed a bronze medal with a time of 37.70 seconds. Their medal was elevated to silver following a doping violation by a member of the British team. This talented quartet also triumphed at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, taking home gold with a world-leading time of 37.48 seconds.
Highlighting their rich Caribbean heritage, Aaron Brown, 32, holds Jamaican roots through his father. The second of three siblings, Brown married Preeya, his college sweetheart, in February 2020, and they welcomed their son Kingsley in January 2021.
Jerome Blake, 28, originally from Buff Bay, Jamaica, transitioned from 400m hurdling to sprinting after relocating to Canada in 2013. Blake became a proud Canadian citizen in 2018.
Brendon Rodney, 32, born in Etobicoke, Canada, to Jamaican parents, is committed to supporting his homeland through the Life Beyond Sports Foundation, which offers scholarships to aspiring athletes at GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport in Jamaica.
Andre De Grasse, 29, hailing from Scarborough, Ontario, has Trinidadian and Barbadian heritage. He and his wife have two children, showcasing a blend of family and athleticism.
Additionally, other athletes with Caribbean roots, such as Gabby Thomas from the United States and Matthew Hudson-Smith from Great Britain, have also celebrated success at the 2024 Olympics, underscoring the impact of Caribbean talent on the world stage.
