Justin Gatlin Explains Two Key Differences Between Kishane Thompson and Asafa Powell Amidst ‘Powell 2.0’ Comparisons…

Justin Gatlin Explains Two Key Differences Between Kishane Thompson and Asafa Powell Amidst ‘Powell 2.0’ Comparisons…

 

In the world of sprinting, comparisons between rising stars and legends of the past are inevitable. With Kishane Thompson’s recent breakout performances on the track, many fans and commentators have dubbed him “Powell 2.0,” drawing parallels to Jamaican sprint icon Asafa Powell. However, Olympic gold medalist and former world champion Justin Gatlin believes there are clear distinctions between the two athletes—and that labeling Thompson as merely a reincarnation of Powell oversimplifies his unique strengths.

Speaking on his podcast and in recent trackside interviews, Gatlin highlighted two major ways Thompson stands apart from Powell: his race execution strategy and his mental approach to competition.

1. Explosive Finish vs. Explosive Start

Gatlin’s first point of distinction lies in how both athletes approach the 100-meter dash. “Asafa was known for one of the best starts in history,” Gatlin explained. “He would get out the blocks like a bullet and dominate the first 60 meters. That’s where he crushed the field.”

In contrast, Thompson has shown a very different race pattern in his early career. Rather than leading from the blocks, he tends to build into his races, unleashing top-end speed in the final 40 meters. Gatlin called this “an elite closer’s mentality,” adding, “Kishane doesn’t panic when others are ahead. He’s calm, composed, and hits that gear late in the race that a lot of guys can’t match.”

This finish-focused style, Gatlin suggested, makes Thompson’s potential more aligned with the likes of Usain Bolt or even Noah Lyles, rather than Powell.

2. Mental Game and Competitive Fire

The second major difference Gatlin pointed to was psychological. “Asafa was a phenomenal athlete, but at times struggled with the pressure of big finals,” Gatlin said. “When the stakes were highest—World Championships, Olympics—he sometimes tightened up.”

While Thompson hasn’t yet had the chance to prove himself on the biggest global stages, Gatlin sees early signs of a different mental makeup. “He’s got a fire in him. You can see it in his body language, in the way he carries himself even before the gun goes off. He’s not afraid of the spotlight,” Gatlin noted. “There’s a quiet confidence there that reminds me of a young Yohan Blake.”

Gatlin also praised Thompson’s humility and willingness to learn, saying that the 23-year-old is “clearly studying the game and not just relying on raw talent.”

Conclusion

While comparisons between Thompson and Powell are understandable—both are Jamaican, both burst onto the scene with fast times, and both possess exceptional physical tools—Gatlin argues that Kishane Thompson is forging his own path. With a unique closing style and an apparent mental toughness that sets him apart from his predecessors, Thompson may be better described not as “Powell 2.0,” but as the first version of something new.

As the 2025 World Championships loom, the world will be watching to see if Thompson can live up to the growing hype—and perhaps even surpass it.