By Gary Smith
Caribbean Net News Sports Correspondent
Email: gary@caribbeannetnews.com
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Asafa Powell is a man on a mission and he knows that, if everything goes according to plan, this season could be the biggest in his early career, thus far.
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100m world record holder,
Asafa Powell. AFP PHOTO |
There has been much speculation about the form of the Jamaican – some saying he will not be as dominant as he was last season, especially with his newest challenger Tyson Gay of USA running so impressively this term.
However, the world record holder believes in readiness and, from all indications from his season so far, Powell is confident he will find his 2006 form before long. He also made note that he was on the same trail last year, before equaling his own world record in only his third race.
For all those around buzzing with lack of confidence in his ability to come good when it matters most, the Commonwealth Games champion reminded them that he’s on the same, if not a more advanced path as he was this time last year.
“Things are looking good for me,” Powell said, following his back-to-back sub-10 seconds runs a week ago in Oslo, to kick start his Golden League series on a winning note.
“I'm at the same spot (like last year) and I was a little bit quicker than in my first race,” he reminded.
He added that his time at the Bislett Games last Friday, was exactly the boost he needed.
“It was just as I wanted. 9.94 was a good time for me. Sub-10 seconds is always good.
“I was running at this pace last year and in my third race I ran 9.77, so we'll see.”
Powell, who started his season with a number of 400m races on local turf before running 9.97secs in opener and his recent 9.94secs, however, has dismissed claims that he will be vying for the world-record every time he steps on the track.
“I just need to get everything back to normal. This is my building-up phase. Everything's just coming back to me,” he said.
Powell also insisted that his main goal for this season is to remain focused on winning the gold medal at the Worlds.
“The World Championships are the most important thing this year. I want to go the final and win a gold medal there,” |
