Sade McCreath stood at the starting line at the Paris 2024 Olympics, her heart racing as the weight of four years of hard work settled heavily on her shoulders.
She felt the pressure from every angle but the most overwhelming of all was the knowledge that millions of eyes were watching her, either from the grandstands of the stadium or from the comfort of homes across the world. This was her moment. This was her time.
“The first time I saw the stadium was when I was about to compete,” McCreath recalled, with the stadium looming before her, the reality was both surreal and exhilarating.
Team Canada was ready to give the women’s 4 x 100 everything they had. One by one, the other athletes got to their places, each of them stretching, adjusting and mentally preparing for what was to come.
Reminding everyone that, no matter how much they had prepared, this moment was unpredictable, rain started to fall. The crowd’s roar seemed to quiet as the teams took their mark with the weight of the occasion settling in again.
“There’s a million people, oh my god, there’s so many cameras. Where are my parents sitting?” McCreath thought.
As many as 206 nations and 10,500 athletes were there to participate in 326 events, across 35 venues and 32 sports.
For Sade McCreath and Duan Asemota, the 2024 Olympic Games represent more than just athletic achievement. They’re a testament to the power of determination, talent and hard work.
This was their Olympic debuts: McCreath in the 4 x 100 metre relay and Asemota in the men’s 4 x 100 metre as well as the 100 metre dash.
For McCreath, her spot on the women’s 4 x 100 metre relay team was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. As she stood at the starting line, she felt “the roar you feel in your chest,” a rush of emotion and adrenaline that took over.
She had worked to earn her place there it was never just about crossing the finish line. It was about proving to herself and to the world that she belonged among the best athletes.
Asemota’s path to the 2024 Games was almost cut short. After narrowly missing out on the 2020 Olympics, he found himself, questioning whether he should continue competing or step away from the pursuit of Olympic competition.
“There’s no shame in hanging it up,” Asemota said, acknowledging the doubts that had clouded his mind after his setback. But as he reflected on the possibility of retirement, something within him shifted.
“I don’t know if I’m cool with leaving it here,” he admitted, realizing that he wasn’t ready to end his career.
Over the next four years, Asemota began to rebuild, gradually regaining his confidence and strength.
“I can get to 120 per cent in training but still be able to enjoy life and that balance is what gives me the ability to come to every training session with a fresh mind,” said Asemota.
His journey was one of persistence, rising from a “pre-retirement phase” to earn a spot not only in the men’s 100 metre dash but also in the men’s 4×100 metre relay for Canada. His comeback was a testament to his tenacity and self-determination.
The Olympics, with its vibrant energy and intense pressure, offered a new kind of challenge. But before they could focus on the race ahead, McCreath and Asemota were given a moment to simply take it all in.
“I literally couldn’t stop pinching myself,” McCreath said, overwhelmed by the realization that she was living the dream she had worked so hard for.
The Olympic Village, a sprawling hub of activity and excitement, was nothing like they had imagined.
“You always have the picture of what the Olympic Village might be, but stepping into it just blew my mind,” Asemota said.
Described by both Asemota and McCreath as a “university campus with many different apartments and dormitories,” the village is a place where athletes from every corner of the globe come together in a shared space, each with their own stories, struggles and dreams. The energy was palpable.
For McCreath and Asemota, it was both humbling and inspiring to be surrounded by the world’s best athletes, each one a symbol of what was possible through years of dedication and sacrifice. The pressure of the moment, the roar of the crowd, the excitement of competing alongside the world’s elite. It was everything they had dreamed of but beyond the medals and the accolades, it was the journey that mattered most.
For McCreath, it was a testament to her unwavering commitment, proving to herself and others that determination can overcome any obstacle.
For Asemota, it was a powerful reminder that even after setbacks, perseverance and self-belief can lead to incredible comebacks.
McCreath and Asemota’s journey proved that setbacks don’t define you, it’s how you rise from them that matters.