Derek Druin started running track at nine but didn't get into high jump until he was 15. He learned to jump by setting up a high jump area in his Emily's basement, using two large bass speakers that he would raise by stacking books underneath and a broomstick, then jump over it onto the couch. And it's because of this setup and how he had to run down the hallway that he jumps from the left side.

Derek made history at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro by winning the High Jump Gold Medal, becoming the first Canadian to claim Olympic gold in a field event since Duncan McNaughton in 1932. What made Druin's victory even more impressive was his flawless performance, as he joined an elite group of just six high jumpers ever to win Olympic gold without a single missed attempt. Druin also became the first Canadian track and field athlete to earn back -to -back Olympic medals in an individual event since Phil Edwards did so in the 800 meters in the 1930s. Drew and his Olympic journey began at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England, where he initially won bronze in a three -way tie after clearing 2 .29 meters. This earned Canada its first high -jump medal since Greg Joy's Silver in 1976.

However, a 2021 IOC ruling upgraded Drew to silver after disqualifying the original gold medalist, solidifying his place among the sports greats. Despite facing a significant foot injury that required surgery just a year before his Olympic debut, Druin's resilience was undeniable. His podium finish in London was just the beginning. In 2013, he secured bronze at the IAAF World Championships, and in 2014, he shattered his Canadian record with a 2 .40 meter jump, joining an exclusive club of high jumpers to clear that height and took gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The following year, Druin reached the pinnacle of his career by winning gold at the 2015 World Championships, just weeks after his triumph at the 2015 Pan -American Games in Toronto. Drun's collegiate career was equally stellar. Representing Indiana University,
he was one of the most decorated student athletes in IU Track and Field history, and was the first IU Track and Field alum to win an individual Olympic gold medal since 1956.

He's the only student-athlete to win five NCAA high-jump titles, with three indoor and two outdoor wins. He also won seven Big Ten titles, was a seven -time All -American, and a three -time IU male athlete of the year. In his senior year in 2013, he won the Bowerman Award as College Track and Field's top performer, regardless of event, and the Jesse Owens Big Ten male athlete of the year. In 2023, he was inducted into the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Druin's dedication and achievements have left a legacy for future generations of athletes, making him one of Canada's most celebrated track and field athletes.