Veteran sprinter Aaron Brown is still learning, still humble

When it comes to Canadian track and field, he's now a senior citizen at the ripe old age of 31.

But Aaron Brown doesn't see it that way.

"I ran my first time with Team Canada when I was 17 years old, which is 14 years ago and it makes me feel very, very, old, but I don't feel it when I'm running," he mused, a day before winning the 100 metre and the 11th Canadian sprint title of his career in Langley, B.C. at the end of July.

"I'm still learning, even at this very seasoned age. I approach things with a blank slate and I'm still humble. I still listen to my coach and I look for areas where I can improve."

Brown has been a force in international athletics since winning a silver medal in the 100 metre at the World Youth championships in Brixen, Italy in 2009. He served notice he would be a constant threat in the sprints by taking bronze in the 200 metre at the World Juniors at home in Moncton, N.B., the next summer.

Now as he approaches his seventh appearance at the senior World Athletics championships in Budapest – which begin Saturday on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem – while targeting a fourth Olympics in Paris in 2024, Brown credits a focused diligence on honing his craft for his longevity.

"The sport is brutal and it's very cut-throat, so if you don't approach it professionally, you'll be quickly replaced. There's always some young, upstart, hotshot that's coming to take your place," he said. "I know it's hard to do. But I definitely feel my best years are ahead of me and I have room to grow."

For his part, Glenroy Gilbert, the head of coach of the Canadian athletics team since 2017, agrees with Brown's personal assessment.

"I remember thinking to myself when I saw him as a junior that this kid was special," Gilbert