Renowned Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell has openly criticized the Jamaican athletics authorities for the inadequate support he received during his career, expressing regret for not switching national allegiance when he had the chance. Powell’s comments came via social media after a video of his son easily winning a race at his school sports day gained traction online.
The former world record holder used the opportunity to highlight the lack of proper support systems for athletes in Jamaica, sharing that he had once been offered millions of US dollars in 2006 to compete for another country an offer he declined at the time due to uncertainty about the future. “If I had known then what I know now, I would’ve taken that deal,” Powell admitted.
Reflecting on his experience, the sprint icon known as the “Sub-10s King” revealed that he has never received any form of compensation or benefit from representing Jamaica. “No athlete wants to retire and struggle, working a regular 9-5 job, wondering what’s next. We all hope to retire comfortably, letting our earnings work for us,” he added.
Powell firmly stated that his children would not represent Jamaica unless the system undergoes significant reform. “I ran for free my whole career just pride and medals, and I never got anything in return. My kids won’t go through the same,” he emphasized. With his wife being Canadian and Ghanaian, Powell noted there are alternative options for his children. “Unless things change, they won’t run for Jamaica,” he concluded.
Powell remains a legendary figure in track and field, having run sub-10 seconds in the 100m over 90 times more than any other sprinter. His former world record of 9.74 seconds was eventually surpassed by Usain Bolt, but his personal best of 9.72 seconds still ranks as the fourth-fastest time ever. He now joins a growing list of elite Jamaican athletes who have voiced frustrations over inadequate support from national authorities.
Be the first to comment