Surin was born in Limbe’, Haiti, in 1967 and in 1975 migrated to Canada, where he grew to become a global star in track and field.

He won gold medals in the 60m dash at the World Indoor Championships in 1993 and 1995.

At the World Championships in Sweden in 1995, he won a silver medal in the 100m behind teammate and compatriot Donovan Bailey. However, he would come away from the championships with a gold medal in the 4x100m relay.

At the Atlanta Games, a year later, Surin once again won gold in the 4x100 relay along with teammates Robert Esme, Glenroy Gilbert and Donovan Bailey.

Ironically, his best memory from his Olympic experiences occurred in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain, when he just missed out on a medal in the 100m and Canada failed to finish in their heat of the sprint relay.

Surin finished just fourth in the 100m won by Great Britain’s Linford Christie in 9.96. Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks won silver in  10.02 while Dennis Mitchell of the United States won the bronze medal in a time of 10.04.

Surin clocked 10.09, but Barcelona, nonetheless, provided him with his best Olympic experience.

“1996 was special. We won the 4x100m as underdogs. We had that team spirit, that synergy,” Surin said.”

“But for pure Olympic spirit, Barcelona was the whole package.

“!992 went off from the opening ceremony. It was such a good experience. I made great new friends. Barcelona was filled with the Olympic spirit. It was very alive. Everywhere, people were having dinner. There were parties everywhere.”

Now 52, Surin, who has a personal best of 9.84s, has been running his foundation in Canada as well as a successful clothing line. He also has a busy schedule giving motivational speeches across the country.