Andre De Grasse has won Canada’s first gold medal in the men’s 200 metres in almost century, with a stunning performance in Wednesday night’s final.
Key points:
- De Grasse ran a Canadian record of 19.62 seconds to claim gold
- He is the first Canadian to win the event since Percy Williams in 1928
- US pair Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles finished second and third respectively
De Grasse held off Kenneth Bednarek of the United States in the straight to win in a Canadian national record time of 19.62 seconds.
He became the first Canadian since Percy Williams in 1928 to win the men’s 200m gold.
Bednarek collected the silver medal in a personal best time of 19.68, with fellow American and world champion, Noah Lyles, claiming bronze in 19.74.
Talented 17-year-old American Erriyon Knighton was fourth in 19.92.
De Grasse’s win follows his bronze in Sunday night’s 100m final.
He finished second in the Rio 200m final behind Usain Bolt five years ago, and was third in the 100m at the same Games.
De Grasse has another bronze medal from Rio as a member of the Canadian 4x100m relay team who reached the podium.
