'I've never experienced anything like this,' De Grasse says, coming home from Rio
For the second day in a row, Canadian Olympians returned home from the Rio Olympics to excited crowds of fans and loved ones. Among them were medal winners Andre De Grasse and Derek Drouin.
"It's incredible: I've never experienced anything like this in my life," said De Grasse who arrived home with a silver and two bronze medals.
"I have a whole nation to support me. It's just incredible to have Canada supporting me all the way through it. They've motivated me and helped me through this whole journey."
The 21-year-old sprinter from Markham, Ont., won bronze in the 100 metre, a silver in the 200 metre and a bronze in the 4×100-metre relay.
De Grasse's mother Beverley was among the cheering fans who gathered to greet him at the arrivals area at Toronto's Pearson International airport.
She said her son's outstanding performance in his Olympic debut is "great for him and great for Canada."
De Grasse's performance has some describing him as the heir apparent to Jamaica's Usain Bolt, who won gold in all three events to secure his crown as the greatest sprinter ever.
The two sprinters egged each other on during their races and after crossing the finish line.
"It was a great experience: I got to race against him on the biggest world stage," said De Grasse of competing against the world's fastest man.
Drouin reflects on high jump gold
Also arriving home this morning was Derek Drouin, who won gold in the high jump. Drouin said he's also happy to be back and is looking forward to taking some vacation time.
"I'm going to be bringing [the medal] around with me a lot to show people, everyone is very excited to see it but after that, it will be displayed with my bronze from [the London games]."
Like De Grasse, Drouin thanked Canadians for their support.
"It's been overwhelming and really exciting for everybody. It's very much appreciated."
Drouin, who lives in Corunna, Ont., said he plans to spend time with family and rest.
Warner drew strength from family, fans
Also arriving back Wednesday was Damian Warner, who won bronze in decathlon.
Warner, a native of London, Ont., said support from friends and family were crucial in helping him win a medal.
"There was one moment in javelin where I needed my last throw, it was very important, and I looked up in the stands and I saw my family, and just thought about all the people watching, and I got goose bumps," he said.
"From that point, I let my body take over. It helps a lot to have the support of those people."
Yesterday two planeloads of Team Canada members arrived home, including swimmer and four-medal winner Penny Oleksiak, Rosie MacLennan, who won gold in trampoline, and Erica Wiebe who took home gold in wrestling.
