Personal bests: Israel Fehr's podium picks from Rio 2016

Yahoo Canada's reporters covering the Olympics in Rio pick their three most memorable insider moments from the Games.

GOLD: Andre De Grasse

Andre De Grasse shared three podiums and a smile at the finish line with Usain Bolt in Rio. And while De Grasse wasn’t able to surprise Bolt on the track, as Bolt won gold in the 100, 200, and 4x100 relay for the third straight Olympics, he did manage to stun the greatest sprinter of all-time another way.

In the press conference following the 100-metre final a reporter asked De Grasse about his first track meet – the one where he showed in basketball shorts and a borrowed pair of spikes and still came in second, despite not knowing how to use starting blocks.

Bolt’s reaction to details of the question was priceless. He turned to De Grasse and asked him if the story was true, incredulity spread across his face. De Grasse nodded sheepishly to confirm it was. In the span of four years, De Grasse went from that race to coming away with three Olympic medals. What an incredible journey, one so implausible even the great Usain Bolt had trouble believing it.

SILVER: Rosie MacLennan 

Canada's golden girl in London, Rosie MacLennan arrived in Rio in a very different place. A concussion threatened to derail her bid for a repeat and she came to better understand, and appreciate, her own limitations.

Her final routine in 2012 was lauded for its creativity and mettle. It won her the gold medal. Here, she opted to change it up and go with a more conservative conclusion. What didn't change? The result – another gold – and another loud and proud delivery of "O Canada" on the podium to please mom.

BRONZE: Happy Birthday

My birthday was on Aug. 15, and thanks to understanding scheduling by my editors and bosses, it was spent with my new friends Antarctica, Skol, and Bohemia. From what I remember, it was a good night out. Thank you, Rio. I'll never forget you. Except for maybe parts of that night.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Yahoo Canada Sports. Email him at israelfehr@yahoo.ca or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr