Asafa Powell racing against time as clock ticks on his career

Asafa Powell who holds a personal best of 19.90 seconds over the 200m dating back to 2006 explained that he is learning to run the 200m again and hinted to the possibility of running the sprint double at the National Trials in June, this after winning the men’s 200m at the Jamaica International Invitational Meet inside the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica last weekend.

“Honestly I don’t remember how to run the 200, so it’s a work in progress and hopefully by national trials I can get there,” Powell suggested.

When quizzed about what prompted the decision to attempt both events this season and whether or not he thinks he will be able to carry that much load for this season, Powell expressed that it’s time to take on the challenge.

“You know pretty much, time is running off and I have been running the 100m for years and most of the sprinters do the double, so I am gonna give it a try and I know I definitely can. I know I have a lot more in me so I am not giving up.”

Running in what was his first 200m since 2011 and doing so at home against a pretty decent field, the athlete singled out 2014 Commonwealth Games Champion Rasheed Dwyer who chased him home, as a worthy competitor to race against.

“I wasn’t really focused on anybody, but I was aware Rasheed was in the race. He is a tough competitor and I have a lot of respect for him. To get the win over him tonight is a good motivation,” Powell continued.

With many persons having expectations of the athlete, Powell’s only expectation of himself is to do his best and allow his efforts to determine what the season gives to him.

“I just want to have a fantastic year, I just want to enjoy myself… go out there and to do my best and hopefully my best will good enough to carry me through,” he explained.

I have been working hard in training and I have no problems at this time. Sometimes I wonder if am working too hard. But you know my brother is my coach, so I know he won’t kill me off in training,” Powell said with a laugh.

The athlete also pointed out that the reason for starting the season indoors over 60m instead of the more familiar background work over 400m, was aimed at regaining the traditionally quick start that he is known for. With that target met, he is now shifting focus to more strength work and maximizing on his speed.

“I was more focused on getting back my start, working on getting the first 50m of my race on par. It’s been going good thus far with a lot more focus on the 200m and being healthy. We are still doing strength training. I am kinda fast right now, but all the speed I need is not there yet to carry me all the way through, but its coming,” he explained.