Demish Gaye, the 2019 national 400 metres champion, has called time on his track and field career after competing at the senior level for more than 10 years.
The 32-year-old Gaye, who made his first senior team in 2016 as a member of the men’s 4x400m team that finished fourth at the World Indoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, said his decision to quit is a personal one.
“I have decided to step away from the sport and this decision is very personal, as I still have several things to get sorted out,” said Gaye.
“I made the decision at the end of the 2025 track and field season after competing in Europe,” he shared.
Gaye, who has a personal best of 44.46 seconds in the 400m, a time he set in 2019, leaves the sport with a cherished record. He was inter-collegiate 400m champion in 2016 and 2017 while competing for GC Foster College before going on to take the national senior title two years later.
Gaye who competed in the 200m and 400 metres at Knox College before entering GC Foster College spoke about his finest year in the sport.
“The best year for me was in 2017, as I had some great results that year, despite being a finalist in the 400m at the 2019 World Outdoor Championships in Doha, Qatar, where I finished fourth in the final and was also a member of the men’s 4x400m team that ended second,” said Gaye.
Asked about his biggest disappointment in the sport over the years, his response was simple.
“I really do not have any major disappointments as I always tried to do my best,” he shared.
Hanging up his spikes now, he has no regrets.
“Honestly, I have no regrets about quitting now, as I am very pleased with my career over the years,” he added.
He also thanked those who helped him along the way.
“I must say a big thank you to those at Knox, GC Foster College and my club, SprinTec, who have all played pivotal roles in my career.
Also, special thanks to my former coach Maurice Wilson and his staff at GC Foster College, who played a significant role – especially coach Wilson, who always gave me confidence when I doubted myself,” said Gaye, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday on January 20.
MEDAL RECORD
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2019 Doha 4×400m
World Relays
Silver medal – second place 2019 Yokohama 4×400m
Bronze medal – third place 2017 Nassau 4×400m
Pan American Games
Silver medal – second place 2019 Lima 400m
Commonwealth Games
Bronze medal – third place 2018 Gold Coast 4×400 m relay
NACAC Championships
Gold medal – first place 2018 Toronto 400 m
Silver medal – second place 2022 Freeport 4×400m
Silver medal – second place 2022 Freeport Mixed 4×400m
