”I’m so happy.  I’m so proud of myself,” said an elated Andre De Grasse after accomplishing his goal.

“I’ve been working hard for this moment for the past five years.”

That’s when the 26-year-old sprinter from Markham won silver in Rio, in a time of 20.02 seconds.

Today De Grasse did it in 19.62 – a new Canadian record.

After collapsing to the track in Tokyo, he lay on his back while holding his head in disbelief.

”I couldn’t have asked for more.  This was the race of my life.”

It’s the first time a Canadian has won gold in the event since 1928, when Percy Williams did it.

It’s also the first time in 93 years that two Canadian men ran in the 200m final.

Toronto’s Aaron Brown finished sixth with a time of 20.20.