De Grasse edges Olympic 100-metre champ in East Coast Relays

Apr 27, 2024 | 4:31 PM

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA — Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse edged reigning Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs to win the 100 metres at the East Coast Relays on Saturday.

The 29-year-old from Toronto posted a time of 10.103 seconds to Jacobs’ 10.106 seconds at the University of Florida.

Jacobs was born in the United States, but represents Italy. American Trayvon Bromell was third in 10.135 seconds.

De Grasse, Jacobs and Bromell, who all train together at the Tumbleweed Track Club in Jacksonville, Fla., were grouped together in the first of 15 heats.

DeGrasse was short of the Olympic qualifying time of 10 seconds, however. That qualification period started July 1, 2023 and ends June 30.

He also posted the fastest 200-metre time Friday in Florida.

The reigning Olympic champion in the distance ran 20.11 seconds to be the fastest among all competitors in 15 heats.

The East Coast Relays feature some top internationals preparing for this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, among college athletes.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 27, 2024.

The Canadian Press