2024 Paris Olympics: Bruny Surin named chef de mission

Former dash star Bruny Surin drew inspiration from Canadian athletes on the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Canada climbed the rostrum 24 occasions in Tokyo to complete eleventh in whole medals, regardless of going through a few of the tightest COVID-19 restrictions in prior months of any nation competing. And the pandemic meant no followers have been permitted in Tokyo.

“The athletes actually confirmed they’re resilient,” he stated.

Surin, who was a part of Canada’s 4×100-metre relay crew that raced to gold on the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, was named the Canadian crew’s chef de mission for the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday, and mirror on the distinctive Video games final summer season.

The 54-year-old labored as an analyst for the lads’s 100 metres as a part of the French TV broadcast, and went to Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium the day earlier than the ultimate.

“I assumed, oh my god, that is going to be loopy. No spectators, and the atmosphere goes to be so dangerous,” stated Surin, who was additionally in Tokyo in a task with sponsor Hudson’s Bay Firm. “After which I witnessed world information, and in addition seeing Andre (De Grasse) win bronze within the 100 metres with a P.B. (private greatest), gold within the 200 … that reveals us though there was a giant downside with COVID, the athletes confirmed that sure, we will get by it, and that was a giant inspiration for all folks, and gave us braveness to maneuver ahead.”

The chef de mission, or “head of mission,” is an envoy for all the crew main into and through the Video games. Surin is happy to assist information Canada’s athletes.

“Since my retirement, I at all times stated to myself that I would prefer to work with athletes, to share expertise with athletes, to play the function as a mentor to athletes, to the subsequent technology,” Surin informed The Canadian Press. “And I at all times wish to be concerned within the Olympic motion. Having this chance, and to me it is like a giant present, and I am actually trying ahead to working with the athletes and the COC (Canadian Olympic Committee).”

The 54-year-old is considered one of Canada’s most adorned sprinters, profitable two world 4×100 titles, plus world silver within the 100 metres in 1995 and ’99. He additionally has two world indoor titles within the 60 metres in 1993 in Toronto and 1995.

Surin nonetheless co-holds the Canadian 100-metre file of 9.84 seconds with Donovan Bailey.

Surin is a four-time Olympian making his debut as an extended jumper in 1988. Since retiring quickly after the 2000 Sydney Video games, he is barely missed a beat, working each Olympics since as a broadcaster.

Surin, who was born in Cap-Haitien, a small Haitian metropolis, and moved along with his household to Montreal when he was seven years outdated, was Canada’s chef de mission on the 2018 World Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires.

“I actually beloved it, and I informed the COC that was one thing I would love to do (once more) sooner or later, and the event got here, and I used to be leaping within the air,” Surin stated with fun.

Surin stated he is excited to have a few years to cheer on athletes, not solely in monitor and subject.

“I informed the COC I wish to go to all of the competitions, I wish to be taught in regards to the athletes and be with them by Paris, and it is a large privilege to be part of that to any extent further,” he stated.

As soon as a task given to Canadian sport directors, the volunteer chef de mission place is now stuffed by former Olympic athletes. Canadian speedskater Catriona Le Might Doan was Canada’s chef on the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, whereas rower Marnie McBean held the place on the 2021 Tokyo Video games.

Earlier cooks embrace bike owner Curt Harnett (2016), skier Steve Podborski (2014), swimmer Mark Tewksbury (2012), speedskater Nathalie Lambert (2010) and diver Sylvie Bernier (2008).

Along with mentorship, the chef de mission offers with Canadian crew points that may erupt right into a firestorm. McBean guided the crew by one of many rockiest occasions in Olympic historical past, after the Video games have been postponed a yr because of the pandemic.

Surin stated he is eager to succeed in out to the earlier cooks for suggestions.

The member of Canada’s Sports activities Corridor of Fame, the Canadian Olympic Corridor of Fame and Quebec’s Sports activities Corridor of Fame has remained lively in sports activities. He has his personal basis, clothes line, and enterprise as a company team-builder. His Bruny Surin Basis to assist promote wholesome and lively life-style to younger, has awarded $20,000 in scholarships yearly to pupil athletes.

The COC stated he was chosen not just for his accomplishments on the monitor, however as a philanthropist, motivational speaker and function mannequin for younger athletes.

“From his unbelievable athletic achievements to his distinctive work in the neighborhood, Bruny is a real ambassador for sport. His infectious ardour for sport and teamwork will serve him properly in his function as Chef de Mission,” four-time Olympian and COC president Tricia Smith stated.

Surin was additionally a sports activities dad. His daughter Katherine was considered one of Canada’s prime 400-metre runners, narrowly lacking a spot on the crew for Tokyo. She’s finishing her MBA at Laval College., Kimberley Ann, one other daughter, was a tennis participant and is now a documentary filmmaker.

The Paris Olympics are July 26 to Aug. 11.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Might 6, 2022.