Canadian · Manchester, Jamaica · Born 16 December 1967Canadian sprinter who dominated the 100m in the mid-1990s, setting world record of 9.84s at 1996 Olympics and winning back-to-back World Championships
Donovan Bailey was born in Manchester, Jamaica in 1967 and emigrated to Canada at 13. He won the 1996 Atlanta Olympics 100m gold medal in a world record 9.84 seconds — the first 100m title for Canada since Ben Johnson's disqualification in 1988. He and Michael Johnson engaged in a heavily promoted individual race in 1997 — the first man to run 150m wins — with Bailey winning after Johnson pulled up injured. He anchored Canada's 4x100m world record relay team. He is the most celebrated Canadian male sprinter in history.
100m world record holder and Olympic champion
How They Played
Powerful sprinter with exceptional top-end speed
Lasting Impact
Dominated sprinting in mid-1990s, held 100m world record for 9 years
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 100m 1996
- World Record 9.84 (1996)
- 4x100m World Record
Canadian Athletes