From De Grasse to New Dreams: Canada Names 56 …read more.
Ottawa, July 21, 2025 For Canadian athletes, the track is more than just a place to compete it’s a place where dreams are chased, resilience is tested, and a nation’s pride is carried stride by stride. That spirit is alive and well in the team Canada just named for the 2025 NACAC (North American, Central American and Caribbean) Championships, set for August in San José, Costa Rica.
This year’s squad isn’t just strong on paper it’s emotionally powerful, too. Behind each name on the roster is a journey of sweat, sacrifice, and self-belief.
Andre De Grasse, Canada’s beloved sprint icon and Olympic champion, headlines the team once again. At 30, he’s no longer the new kid on the block, but the fire hasn’t faded. “Every time I put on this jersey, it reminds me of where I came from,” he shared. “I’m not just running for medals anymore I’m running to inspire.”
De Grasse will take on the 200m and anchor a 4x100m relay squad that includes hungry young sprinters looking to learn from the best.
Among them is Christopher Morales Williams, just 20 years old and already one of Canada’s brightest hopes in the 400m. A recent record-breaker at the NCAA level, Morales Williams grew up watching De Grasse on TV. “Now I’m sharing the track with him,” he said with a grin. “It doesn’t feel real but I’m ready.”
Over in the field events, Camryn Rogers continues to embody strength and grace. The Olympic silver medalist in hammer throw has battled injuries and doubt, but her eyes are firmly set on gold in San José. “Every throw is personal,” she said. “I want little girls watching in Vancouver or Winnipeg to know they can throw far, too.”
Middle-distance maestro Marco Arop, always calm and composed, carries the weight of expectations with quiet confidence. “It’s not about pressure,” he said. “It’s about passion. These moments are rare, and I want to make the most of every one.”
The women’s sprint crew including veterans like Khamica Bingham and rising stars like Audrey Leduc mirrors a passing of the torch. Bingham, a three-time Olympian, sees Leduc as the future. “She’s fearless,” Bingham said. “And that pushes me to be better, too.”
In total, 56 athletes from teenage phenoms to seasoned champions will wear the maple leaf in Costa Rica. Head coach Glenroy Gilbert says this is more than a team. “It’s a family,” he said. “Some of them have been through injury, some are just starting out but they all believe in what it means to represent Canada.”
The NACAC Championships may not carry the global spotlight of the Olympics, but for these athletes, it’s a chance to tell their stories, chase new personal bests, and carry their country’s hopes with heart.
As the countdown to August begins, one thing is certain: this Canadian team isn’t just going to compete. They’re going to connect with each other, and with fans back home who see themselves in every stride.
