Shortly after turning pro back in December, Canadian sprint star Andre De Grasse wrote a Player’s Own Voice piece for CBC Sports to explain his decision. With his Olympic spot now secured, De Grasse reveals what his goals are for Rio and beyond in an exclusive video below. This will also be aired Saturday on Road to the Olympic Games (CBC Sports, 2 p.m. ET).

Up to this point in my life, I haven’t had to make too many critical decisions. At least nowhere near a decision as big as this. I actually feel like I’ve matured a lot with the responsibility of taking something like this into my own hands and making it happen.

It’s official – I’m Andre De Grasse: professional track and field athlete.

How did this all come about? It’s pretty interesting actually. I know I told everybody that I wasn’t going to be going professional until after my senior year at USC, but things have a way of moving in a different direction when certain points are brought to your attention. Maybe some people can relate.

I mean this in no arrogant way at all – but last season, it’s like nothing could go wrong. At the NCAA Championships, I had a great performance as an underdog. At the Pan Am Games, I had a great performance as a favourite, with the pressures of not disappointing the home crowd (pressure I downplayed of course).

Then at the world championships, I was able to stand on the podium with the likes of Usain Bolt and Justin Gatlin with a bronze medal from the 100-metres around my neck.