From injury setbacks to Olympic glory, Andre De Grasse proves that speed isn’t just physical—it’s mental solidity. His remarkable Olympic record includes seven medals, podium finishes in every Olympic event since his 2016 debut, and a historic feat at the Rio Olympics in 2016 as the first Canadian to win three Olympic medals in a single event.

With a blistering 200-meter pace of 19.76 in September 2023, he became the first sprinter from Canada to win a Diamond League title. His historic accomplishment goes beyond his skill on the track. But who is the man behind him, who helped Andre reach here?

Meet Mike Holloway: Andre De Grasse’s coach

Michael Dwayne Holloway, or Mike Holloway, was born in 1959 and lives in Columbus, Ohio. No information about his childhood, parents, or exact birthdate is available. Coach Holloway received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Florida in 2000. The 65-year-old has a daughter named Michele and a son named Michael II. According to reports, his children are married.

Mike Holloway has an Instagram account named “headgatortrk,” but he hasn’t posted anything since September 2022 for an unknown reason. Coach Holloway’s career is not limited to training athletes, but he has tried his hand at writing. Yes, you read it correctly. Andre De Grasse’s coach, Mike Holloway, has written a book titled “#THEHOLLOWAY, The Unconventional Path of Mike ‘Mouse’ Holloway.” The book was published by Brightray Publishing.

Mike Holloway’s career highlights and achievements

While studying history at the University of Florida, Mike Holloway was already laying the groundwork for a coaching legacy. At the same time, he served as the assistant coach for the men’s track and field team—a pretty big deal for a college student. But that wasn’t all. From 1995 to 2002, he was the head coach and led the track team at Buchholz High School in Gainesville. Fast forward a bit—only two years after graduation, Holloway took the job as the head coach for the University of Florida’s men’s and women’s track and field teams following the outdoor season. This was a historic step, as he was the first to be the head coach of both teams, a testament to his coaching ability.

Mike Holloway’s growing reputation eventually took him to the global stage. It all happened in 2012 when Andre De Grasse’s coach, Mike Holloway, became the assistant coach for the U.S. track and field team. He was the one who led the team to the London Olympics. It was like, he was shining with each passing day. And just a year later, he took the reins again—this time as head coach for the U.S. men’s track and field team at the 2013 IAAF World Championships. This was all about him being a mentor to track athletes, but he also got official recognition for the same.

Over the years, coach Holloway has racked up numerous honors, including several USTFCCCA and SEC awards. And when it comes to creating Olympic-quality talent, he’s the best. As a matter of fact, he’s had at least one Olympian on his roster every single year since 1992. Most recently, his athlete Grant Holloway took gold at the 2024 Olympics. The power couple is still going strong today, still pursuing greatness, year after year.

How Mike Holloway’s training philosophy is shaping Andre De Grasse’s comeback

After a tough showing at the 2024 Paris Olympics—where he missed out on the individual sprint finals—Andre De Grasse knew he needed a reset. But instead of stepping back, he made a bold move that’s already turning heads: teaming up with legendary coach Mike Holloway in Gainesville, Florida.

But when Grasse won gold at the Paris Olympics, he said, “I tried to keep my head and stay mentally strong, but of course that’s always a tough one, not having your coach out there with you, who kind of leads you through these Games and has been with you all year.”

Holloway, the mastermind behind multiple Olympic champions, welcomed De Grasse into a training group stacked with elite talent like Erriyon Knighton, Joe Fahnbulleh, and Robert Gregory. The impact has been noticeable. Early in 2025, De Grasse spearheaded Team Canada to a nerve-wracking win over America at the Florida Relays—the first big blast of form from him since Paris. It was not only a victory; it was a proclamation. Holloway’s philosophy of precision-based training, competition-oriented practice, and tough-mindedness is unleashing the best in De Grasse, a side more hungry and serious.

Andre De Grasse has confessed that training under Holloway has renewed his sense of direction. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics looming, he’s no longer merely pursuing medals—he’s pursuing redemption. And under Holloway’s wing, he sees LA as a chance to bring his journey full circle. As per Coast Reporter, Grasse said, “(It would) be a full-circle moment for me to get to the L.A. Olympics 2028, and then we can go from there. We can re-evaluate this.” He further added, “Just go with the flow and just continue to remember to keep having fun and enjoying myself and embracing the moment.”

For now, Andre De Grasse isn’t making any loud declarations. But if his recent performances are anything to prove, then the comeback has already begun—and it’s being directed, day by day, by one of the sport’s finest coaches.