Bruny Surin named Team Canada’s Paris 2024 Chef de Mission

MONTREAL (May 6, 2022) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has named Olympic champion and philanthropist Bruny Surin as Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“Paris already holds a special place in my heart,” said Surin. “When you layer the Olympic Games on top of such a marvellous city, you get an experience beyond compare. I am so proud to be named Team Canada’s Paris 2024 Chef de Mission. I am looking forward to embarking on this adventure and being there for each member of our Team; I will be their number one fan!” 

Surin represented Team Canada in athletics at four Olympic Games and has been a leader in the athletics community for more than three decades. As Chef de Mission, he will support and motivate athletes on and off the field of play and act as a spokesperson for the team in the lead up to and during the Olympic Games. Surin is no stranger to the role, having served as Team Canada’s Chef de Mission for the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018.

Surin was chosen for the role not only for his athletic accomplishments, but for his work as a philanthropist, motivational speaker and committed role model for young athletes. In 2002, he founded the Bruny Surin Foundation to help promote the importance of healthy and active lifestyles to youth. The Foundation has awarded $20,000 in scholarships every year to student athletes, helping young people balance their sports and studies.

“Bruny is undoubtedly the perfect choice for Chef in 2024,” said Eric Myles, COC’s Chief Sport Officer. ”He is a valued member of our Olympic family and in addition, possesses the qualities of being a unifier and team player. With his incomparable Olympic journey and his passion for sport and people, he will be the ultimate ambassador for Team Canada 2024.” 

Surin began his Olympic career as a long jumper at Seoul 1988 before picking up sprinting at the advice of a coach. In his second Olympic appearance, he finished fourth in the 100m at Barcelona 1992. At his third Games, Surin made history as a member of Team Canada’s legendary 4x100m relay team at Atlanta 1996 – the first team to defeat the United States for the Olympic gold in the event. Alongside former teammate Donovan Bailey, Surin remains co-owner of the Canadian record in the 100m – 9.84 seconds – a mark he matched while winning his second world championship silver in the event in 1999.

“From his incredible athletic achievements to his exceptional work in the community, Bruny is a true ambassador for sport. His infectious passion for sport and teamwork will serve him well in his role as Chef de Mission,” added four-time Olympian and COC President Tricia Smith.

Surin is a recipient of both the Diamond Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II and the Ordre national du Québec in recognition of his career and sizeable impact on youth in sport. He is an appointee of the Order of Canada, and a member of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. 

Taking place from July 26 to August 11, the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will feature 329 medal events across 32 sports. Paris will become the second city, following London, to host the Olympic Games three times – 1900, 1924 and 2024. Paris 2024 will also be the first fully gender-balanced Olympic Games, with exactly 50 per cent male and female participation. 

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