“This is a new me,” says Asafa Powell

When Asafa Powell crossed the line in 9.98s on Thursday night, in heat 1 of the Men’s 100m at the Supreme Ventures/Jamaica Administrative Association (JAAA) Athletics Championships, he was doing what he is best known for, running sub-10 in the 100m.

The former national champion cruised to victory in his heat, followed home by Yohan Blake in a sluggish 10.24s. With no Usain Bolt at the championships and Blake just returning from injury, Powell is the odds on favourite to win the 100m final, but he is not feeling pressured by the situation.

“This is a new me, I am just enjoying it (running). It’s no big deal. Over the years I have been making it a real big deal and putting too much pressure on myself, so now I am just going to relax and do what I am supposed to do,” Powell stated.

Despite being the man with the most sub-10 clockings in history, Powell is yet to win a global title and having split from his long time coach Stephen Francis and club, MVP, it was believed by many that the powerfully built sprinter would fade from memory. However Powell has shown good early season form and is expected to make Jamaica’s team to the World Championships in Beijing China in August as the National 100m champion.

“I always want to win in front of my home crowd…I want to show them that I am here to stay,” said the 33 year old.
Powell expects the semifinals and finals to be a lot more competitive than his heat on Thursday, but is confident that he can win the title and punch his ticket to yet another World Championships.