Olympic champion sprinter Aaron Brown sets sights on L.A. 2028 after roller-coaster experience in Paris

The Paris 2024 Games did not go according to plan for Aaron Brown. He false-started in the 100-metre heats, instantly disqualifying him from the event.

He remembers the moment vividly, explaining he felt his train of thought "went sideways."

"I thought the guy next to me flinched, and I reacted off that," Brown told CBC Sports' Anastasia Bucsis in a recent one-on-one interview.

Many other Canadian sprinters had to deal with setbacks in Paris as well, but Brown was proud of how the men's 4x100 relay team ultimately pulled together to win gold.

"The whole Games were tough to be honest, and it just finished with like a beautiful crescendo with winning", Brown said.

WATCH l Brown reflects on his golden moment in Paris, looks ahead to 2025:

Aaron Brown on his legendary golden moment at Paris 2024 and looking ahead to 2025

3 days ago

Duration 19:16

4-time Olympic sprinter Aaron Brown finally became an Olympic gold medallist after running the first leg of the Paris 2024 men's 4x100m relay that saw his team including Andre De Grasse, Jerome Blake and Brendon Rodney take the title. Anastasia Bucsis sits down with the sprinter to talk about life since Paris and what's ahead for 2025.

After facing troubles in the individual races, Brown didn't let the disappointments shake him. He felt very relaxed running the relay. 

"It's just a different feeling when I'm running for my team," he said. "I know it's not only on me and I'm running for something bigger than just myself."

Canada capturing the gold medal in the men's 4x100 was a favourite moment for many Canadians. 

"It was a whirlwind when we got back, but now it's time to get back into reality and slowly think about next season and trying to do it again," Brown said.

Brotherhood and rivalry with De Grasse

Brown describes his relationship with superstar teammate Andre De Grasse as "simple", adding that he looks at it "like a brotherhood."

However, when it's time to race, the mood switches.

"It's a fierce rivalry whenever we race each other, and I love beating Andre, and I'm sure he loves beating me."

Brown has his sights set on yet another Olympics. Los Angeles 2028 would be his fifth Games. As the 2025 season approaches, he says he's focused on "pushing the boundaries and seeing how far I can take it."

As for if the golden relay team will reunite for the 2028 games, Brown says "anything could happen." But there are definitely others to look out for come Olympic time.  

"We have strong guys in the wings, itching for their opportunity," he said.

For Brown, it's the more the merrier when it comes to up-and-coming Canadian sprinting talent.

"The more depth we have in the sport, the better we're going to be."