Ready. Set. Go! The gun fired and the crowd screamed in exhilaration. The 100 metre dash sprinters surged down the track. All eyes were on Donovan Bailey, the Jamaican born Canadian sprinter who carried the pride of Canadian athletics on his rapid legs. His many years of training prepared for this moment. Every millisecond mattered. Would Bailey take the gold? Finally Bailey's foot passed the white line. The clock read 9.84 seconds. Canadian audiences were ecstatic. Not only had Donovan Bailey won the race, but he had also beaten the world record; Donovan Bailey, a Canadian sprinter, was the fastest man on earth.

In Canada, we have the fortune to live in a country where multiculturalism and acceptance of all races is part of our national identity. Often when we think of someone who has defined Canada's diverse heritage and identity, our minds drift towards famous politicians, humanitarians, and successful business people. Often we forget other monumental achievements that are perhaps less extravagant but just as significant. Growing up, I have always had a passion for sports, particularly track and field, and I have always been inspired by the track star, Donovan Bailey.

Donovan Bailey was born in Manchester, Jamaica in 1967, and immigrated to Canada at the age of 13. Although he showed a strong talent for athletics, he didn't really begin to pursue the sport until his early twenties. However, it soon became very clear that he could be one of the best. Media hype surrounded him and he became a favourite amongst Canadian audiences. He was their hope for success in the summer Olympics, where Canada often struggles to make it to the top of the podium. Before his victory in Atlanta, Donovan Bailey had discussed racial issues in Canada and his worry about if Canadians would love a black athlete. His fears were, of course, unwarranted.

Despite the fact that Donovan Bailey was a black Canadian, all Canadians were proud of his achievement. The Canadians watching the television screens didn't care whether he was white or black, they found him an inspiration that increased the passion they felt for their country. Many people consider his memorable win a turning point in Canadian history. Nelson Mandela once said “Politics divides a country, sport unites." Donovan Bailey's victory united Canadians of all races – black, white, Chinese, First Nation and the many others – with a feeling of glorification for their country. This newly felt sense of Canadian pride during the summer Olympics was further ingrained just one week after Bailey's victory. The Canadian 4x100 men's relay team – consisting solely of black Canadians – pulled an upset victory over the favored American team, and won the gold medal. Donovan Bailey ran the anchor for this race.

What I find most significant about Donovan Bailey is his use of his success to contribute to Canada's identity. Although he has retired from competitive athletics, Bailey has made it his goal to mentor and promote other promising athletes and to help them succeed. He has stated that he wants to give as many Canadians as possible the opportunity to be successful, and if that means pursuing their athletic gifts, then he will see to it that it shall be done. In 2002, he founded the Donovan Bailey Foundation, an organization committed to the advancement and financial assistance of Canada's talented amateur athletes. Aside from his incredible involvement in athletics, he has also committed himself to multiple charitable works and is a spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society, the Ontario lung Association, and Big Brothers of Toronto.

As a proud Canadian, and a black athlete, Donavan Bailey is a great inspiration. Although his name is associated with the two outstanding medals that he won for Canada in 1996, he has contributed much more to our country than his sport's achievements. His own success isn't enough for him; he strives to help raise others' too. Donovan Bailey's contributions to Canada's diverse heritage and multicultural identity are remarkable, which is why I admire him as a black Canadian.

The essays submitted pursuant to the RBC^® Black History Month Student Essay Competition and provided herein are the original work of the students who have entered the Competition. Royal Bank of Canada assumes no responsibility for material that is false, inaccurate or violates or infringes upon the rights of third parties, including privacy and intellectual property rights.