Donovan BaileyPhoto illustration The Globe and Mail. Source photo Tijana Martin/The Canadian Press
Many Canadians will remember where they were watching when Donovan Bailey sprinted to Olympic gold in the men’s 100 metres at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games, doing so in a world-record time of 9.84 seconds.
It remains an indelible Olympic memory, Bailey surging from behind with explosive force, overtaking his competitors in the final 50 metres, then erupting in that iconic joyous wide-smiling celebration after crossing the line and draping himself in a Canadian flag.
Later at those Games, he struck Olympic gold again when he anchored Team Canada to a first-place finish in the men’s 4×100-metre relay, with Robert Esmie, Glenroy Gilbert, Bruny Surin and Carlton Chambers.
Now 56, he will be in Paris this summer, commentating on the Olympics for the CBC, telling the stories of today’s athletics stars, including a Canadian team projected for lots of podium finishes. Bailey keeps busy with his podcast Donovan Bailey Running Things, in business, sitting on the boards of several companies and working with charities. In 2023, he released his memoir called Undisputed, about everything from his upbringing in Jamaica and on the basketball courts of Oakville, Ont., to Olympic glory. Already Bailey tells The Globe, “I have another book in me.”
When are you happiest?
I’m happiest when the weather is great and I’m surrounded by people who are also happy.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is not challenging myself.
Who is a person you admire?
Lots of people. I start with my mom and dad. Muhammad Ali, I think that’s widely known. Anybody who challenges me to be my better self.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I probably have 10 answers and I’m thinking which one of them is my greatest extravagance. I probably shouldn’t say this because it sounds crazy, but having a Partagas, which is a great cigar, after an exceptionally productive day. I think that being serenaded by the national anthem of your country is the greatest achievement a human being can have, and because I will never get that high again, because I’ll never be in that position again in my life, I look to small celebrations, and a cigar is just one of them.
Which talent would you most like to have?
I wish I could sing. I’m a huge music fan. I’ve seen some of the greatest people in the world perform and I’m mesmerized by it. I saw Prince in concert, Michael Jackson in concert, and I’m not an entertainer by any stretch, but I’m just like, wow.
What is the trait you most dislike in others?
Probably giving an opinion without information.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Other than my [four] children, the ability to listen. I was a very impatient young man and as I get older, I tend to listen to people. I’ve grown into this person that can give incredible advice because I actually sit and listen if someone’s telling me something, especially when they’re telling me something about themselves.
That must mean a lot to you. You value the acquiring of that skill more than the achievement of becoming an Olympic champion and all of your track success?
I think that [medal], my legacy, at this point is really to kind of play it forward. I’m just hoping that in my lifetime, I’ll see that happen to some of these kids who are pursuing their goals right now. So yeah, I don’t need to bask in what I did.
What is your most treasured possession?
Okay, I guess everyone should say their Olympic medal, right? My most treasured possession? I’d say it’s my father’s Cartier watch, and my mom’s necklace – my mom bought me a necklace.
What is the trait that is most pronounced in you?
If I have a goal, no one’s going to stop me. It doesn’t matter what it is.
What books or authors have resonated with you?
I read a lot of biographies. So there’s a ton. I have a library of books, in Canada, and at the house in Jamaica. I read extensively, articles and books, and I watch a lot of biographies. I am one of those people who is constantly learning. There are several books on Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela I’ve read. Looking around my office now, I couldn’t name a favourite book. There are so many.
What is your greatest regret?
I don’t know if I have any regrets because whatever has happened to me in my life, it really has just been part of my life journey and I have to accept it.
What is a personality trait you wish you possessed?
As a younger person, patience.
Have you acquired that over time?
Well, no. Again, remember, I’m a student. So I’m learning. I’ve learned to listen because it’s very important for longevity in relationships and understanding people and being a parent. I think that as a young person, certainly patience, and now, it probably still would be patience, because in business you need to understand that nothing good comes fast or easy.
What is an invitation you would love to receive?
I probably have got everything, but I’d say an invitation to play in the NBA all-star celebrity game. Basketball is still a passion for me. I’m an old man trying to still have that 19-year-old brain that [tells me] I can still play basketball. I’d still love to do that some day.
What is the best gift you’ve ever received?
Advice from my parents.
Who is a person you wish to meet?
I wish I had met Jesse Owens.
Which events or athletes will you be watching for in Paris this summer?
It won’t come as a surprise that I’m looking forward to the sprints. The women’s 100 metres will be spectacular. We have Shelly-Ann Fraser from Jamaica, who is retiring, and she’s one of the greatest sprinters that ever lived, not just as a woman but one of the greatest and most technically sound. Sha’Carri Richardson from America. You’ve got some young kids that are coming up, so I think that’s going to be spectacular. The men’s 100 metres will be incredible again. Looking forward to seeing how Marcell Jacobs does as the reigning champion. There are three Americans who are great. I want to see how Andre [De Grasse] does, hopefully he makes the finals and puts himself in a position to get on the podium. The men’s 110-metre hurdles, the women’s 200 metres. Hopefully the Canadian men’s [4x100m] relay team puts themselves in a position to win. I think that that would be incredible for them. They certainly would make some history if they did that, because our team is the only one that’s done what we have done, and hopefully they can follow in our footsteps. Those guys are fantastic, with incredible potential and I’m here supporting them. Our entire team is looking out for these kids.
Do you spend time mentoring Canada’s sprinters?
Glenroy is their coach, my training partner and relay mate. I speak to Glenroy often and I touch base with all the kids that are competing once in a while, to let them know that I’m in their corner, and I’m supporting them.