Canadian sprinter De Grasse peaking right on time for Paris Olympics

Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse thrives on sport's biggest stages - the brighter the lights, the better for the six-times Olympic medallist.

De Grasse has not made headlines with any sizzling performances so far this season in the build-up to the Games, but the 29-year-old is a traditionally slow starter and has the enviable ability to crank up his performances once the Olympic torch is lit.

"It's the highest stage possible, it's something that you've been you're working towards, you put all the hard work in, made a lot of sacrifices for these moments and you just want to go out there and do your best," De Grasse told Reuters in an interview.

"When I put on that bib and I put on that (Canada) uniform, knowing that I'm not just representing myself, I'm representing my country, my family, my friends, it inspires me and gives me that motivation to just go out there and give it my all."

De Grasse has taken a patient approach by racing in smaller meets, and on Tuesday the Olympic 200 metres champion finally dipped under the 20-second barrier in that event for the first time this season in winning the Gyulai Istvan Memorial in Hungary.

Patience can prove fleeting, however, when rivals such as Americans Noah Lyles and Kenny Bednarek - who have the top two times this season of 19.53 and 19.59 respectively - are laying down quick performances.

"It is hard to stay patient, but they're on a different plan than me," De Grasse said. "But I have had time to be patient to say 'okay, I don't have to run as fast right now. I can work on some things and train through it so that when it matters I'm more fresh and I'm more ready.'

"I don't want to start off my season too early, so chose to go to more low-key meets where there's not as much