Robert Esmie - Definition and Overview

Robert Esmie (born July 5, 1972) is a Canadian athlete, winner of the gold medal in the 4x100 m relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Esmie formed along with Glenroy Gilbert, Bruny Surin and Donovan Bailey the best 4x100 m relay team in the mid-1990s.

Esmie was seventh in 100 m and won a bronze medal in 4x100 m relay at the 1993 World Championships. At the 1994 Commonwealth Games, Esmie won the gold medal in 4x100 m relay.

In 1995, Esmie won a bronze medal in 60 m at the World Indoor Championships and was again a member of gold medal winning Canadian 4x100 m relay team at the 1995 World Championships.

At the Atlanta Olympics, the Canadian relay team weren't the hot favourites, although they were won almost all the titles available during the last couple of years. But they had done it in absence of United States. At the 4x100 m relay final, the Canadian team beat United States by almost half a second, to establish itself the best relay team in the world. Esmie was not originally slated to run with the relay team in Atlanta, but was substituted for Carlton Chambers the night before the race.

Esmie and the Canadian team won a gold medal again at the 1997 World Championships, but again in absence of United States.