Guyanese Online

– By Geoff Burrowes

        Congratulations to the exceptional men and women who competed on our behalves in the recent 2020 Summer Olympics. My youngest son who has adopted some American values in the last 20 years, doesn’t think much of Canadians who rejoice in personal bests at contests like the Olympics. But I think that running faster, jumping higher than I have ever been capable of doing in my life before is worthy of praise.

However being able to do it best against the best athletes the world has to offer is extra special. Hence the value of Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals.     

        These games we have been able to win more of these highly prized trophies than ever before! And though Canada, a nation of immigrants it is worth noting that immigrants, their children and grandchildren, of every class colour and creed were prominent in representing our great nation.

        It gives me special satisfaction – the knowledge that one of these is a descendant of my people, the Guyanese!

         My wife Norma, who is seldom wrong, tells me that Andre De Grasse’s mother was born a Guyanese.

        Now Andre please understand that I acknowledge that I didn’t run a yard in training, develop a single blister or cramp or sacrifice the blood, sweat and tears that you must have expended twice daily in your training, I still with the rest of Canada, took off from the blocks with you and powered down to the finish just ahead of your opponents. I also stood on the podium with you, accepting the plaudits of millions. Thank you for an experience that will always be powerful and unique in my memory and the memories of thousands around the world.

        Thank you also to the many athletes who strived on our behalf throughout the games. In the words of the mighty Caesar “I salute you!”

        The Olympic movement has not always been free of bias, corruption, missteps and idiocy but to have awarded the world moments like this in a time in history when we needed hope and encouragement – well done!

Andre De Grasse wins gold in 200m race – Tokyo Olympics 2020

Canada’s Andre De Grasse was the first to cross the finish line in the 200-metre final at Tokyo 2020, beating American Kenneth Bednarek. De Grasse clocked in at 19.62 seconds for his run, setting a national record. 

Andre De Grasse’s mom reacts to his gold medal win at Tokyo 2020

Beverley De Grasse, the mother of Andre De Grasse, says she never doubted her son would win Olympic gold in the men’s 200-metre race, but it was difficult for her not being in Tokyo to watch it happen.