Sprinter Andre De Grasse, the Markham athlete who is Canada's most decorated male Olympian, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours.

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced 80 new appointments to the order on Dec. 31, 2025: six Companions, 15 Officers and 59 Members. The official listing for De Grasse gives his home as Markham. His appointment is dated Oct. 17, 2025, and was made public with the year-end list.

What the citation says

The citation recognizes both his results on the track and his work away from it.

Seven-time Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse made history at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, as the first Canadian to medal in all three sprint events. He repeated the feat at Tokyo 2020 and added a seventh medal in Paris 2024. Beyond the track, this philanthropist and author empowers youth to fulfil their potential.

— Order of Canada citation, Office of the Secretary to the Governor General

De Grasse, 31, told The Canadian Press he learned of the appointment in a call from the Governor General's office in late October. He said it was a huge honour and that he was surprised to receive it so early in his life.

Canadian Running magazine reported that he was the only track and field athlete named to the order in this round. Earlier track honourees include Donovan Bailey, Bruny Surin and Charmaine Crooks.

Investing in young athletes

In 2018, De Grasse started the Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship Program for high school track athletes from underserved communities. The Canadian Press reported that it has supported 57 athletes in five provinces with $170,000 in funding, that five recipients have gone on to Canada's national team, and that recipients have earned more than $2 million in NCAA scholarships. Coach Tony Sharpe mentors the athletes.

The national honour follows a provincial one: De Grasse was appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2023. His 2025 season included a silver medal with Canada's men's 4x100-metre relay team at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he ran the anchor leg.

The Order of Canada fosters a sense of pride and cohesion in our country.

— Gov. Gen. Mary Simon

What happens next

New members are invited to a future ceremony to be invested and receive their insignia. The Governor General's office said ceremony dates will be announced in due course.