Sub-10 king, Asafa Powell is not shying away from the possibility of being Jamaica’s best prospect for gold at the World Championships in Bejing, China next month. “Honestly, I think I’m the country’s best chance heading into Beijing at this point,” said Powell, who won the 100M at the trials last week.
Powell sees himself as the flag bearer for Jamaica in the 100M at Beijing with Usain Bolt pulling out of the Paris and Lausanne Diamond League Meets following sub-par performances earlier this season and former World Champion Yohan Blake failing to make the team.
“I have been in the sport for a very long time and a lot of persons have doubted me over the years, but I still remain strong and focused and continue to put in the work. I am one of the athletes who has remained consistent for a very long time, and people don’t always give credit for that, but to be back on top is a great feeling,” Powell told the Gleaner.
“I don’t know what’s going on with Usain [Bolt] for instance, but all the other [Jamaican] athletes would have to do something extraordinary for me to consider them to be going to China to compete for the gold medal in the 100m,” the 2015 National Senior Champion said. “So definitely, I would say I am the one to carry the flag, and I am ready to bear that burden of protecting the winning streak,” Powell said.
Powell has been unbeaten in eight races so far this season. He says should he correct his poor start from last week’s Senior Championships he will be able to run below 9.8 seconds. With a season best of 9.84, Powell faces Nesta Carter, Mike Rodgers, and Jimmy Vicaut at tomorrow’s Paris Diamond League.
