Sprinting today is about much more than just running, believes Canadian sprint star Andre De Grasse, who says embracing technology is key to the sport’s evolution. The Olympic champion also made it clear that he wants to retire on a high with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics firmly in sight.

De Grasse, the International Event Ambassador for the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026, is a globally recognised name in athletics, notably for having beaten sprint legend Usain Bolt on three occasions. Now in the later phase of his career, the Canadian is targeting LA 2028 as one of his final appearances on the biggest stage, hoping to bow out with a smile.

For De Grasse, winning Olympic gold in the 200 metres is one achievement, but the dream of being the fastest man in the world remains a separate and powerful motivation. The Tokyo 2020 200m gold medallist and Paris 2024 4x100m relay champion believes that technological advancements in track and field should be welcomed as long as they enhance performance and benefit athletes.

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He compared innovation in athletics to the rapid evolution seen in laptops and smartphones, noting that improvements in apparel, shoes and spikes help push the boundaries of human performance. Faster times and better displays, he feels, only add to the excitement of the sport.

After finishing without a medal in the 100m and 200m at the Paris Games, following podium finishes at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, De Grasse’s hunger has only intensified. He is determined to make one last Olympic push with particular focus on returning to podium contention in the 100 metres at LA 2028, while also building towards the upcoming World Championships.

Despite the challenges that come with longevity at the highest level, De Grasse remains committed to hard work, consistency and trusting the process. Although he was beaten by Bolt in all three events he contested at the Rio Olympics, the two share a strong bond built on mutual respect.

Meanwhile, the Tata Mumbai Marathon continues to scale new heights. While several course and performance records have fallen over the years, this edition will be marked by a record number of full marathon runners. On Sunday, January 18, at 6 am, over 14,000 runners will line up at the starting line at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus for the full marathon.

In its 21st year, the Tata Mumbai Marathon has grown steadily, with this edition set to feature a record total of 69,100 participants across on-ground and virtual categories, underlining its status as one of India’s premier mass-participation sporting events.

By Joe Williams