High Jumper Derek Drouin Wins Canada's First Gold Medal in Track and Field in 20 Years

Reigning world champ Derek Drouin was perfect through six attempts on Tuesday, securing a gold medal in high jump with a season-best height of 2.38 metres.

With his win, Drouin became the first Canadian male to win gold at the Rio Games and the first Canadian to win gold in high jump since Duncan McNaughton did it in 1932. It is also Canada's third track and field medal in Rio, and first track and field gold since Donovan Bailey won the 100-metre dash in 1996.

"It feels pretty sweet," Drouin said. "There have been some sacrifices but I've always prided myself on my mental toughness. My family were in the front row. Mom was in tears and Pop was so proud."

Drouin edged Qatar's Mutaz Barshim, who won silver at 2.36 metres, and Ukraine's Bohdan Bondarenko, who took home a bronze with a jump of 2.33 metres.

Drouin secured his second Olympic medal with the victory. The 26-year-old previously won bronze in London 2012. His gold in Rio brings Canada's medal total to 14 entering competition Wednesday.

We met up with Drouin before he took off for Rio. Watch below.