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Don’t give up on me – implores Asafa Powell

Asafa Powell,Usain Bolt,Rio Olympics 2016,

Photo: Former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell speaking with reporters at the National Senior Athletics Championships in Kingston, Jamaica.

The performance of the former 100m record holder, Asafa Powell, in finishing fourth at the Jamaica National Senior Championship on Friday night is being labelled by many as yet a another one of his mental breakdown moments. But the athlete provided no excuses for his below par showing, other than of having to race on an injured groin and calf at the championships.

“I have a groin injury and calf injury. The old groin injury, it was the calf first, which led to the groin. I have been out of training for almost three weeks. I was just sitting at home,” Powell explained.

He sought to explain that he is still happy despite the outcome, because he was not fortunate to take the route of Usain Bolt to hopefully gain a spot on the team to Rio. This is because medical exemption is only applicable to athletes ranked in the top three globally in their events.

“It was not strange not see him (Usain Bolt) out there. I didn’t know he wasn’t going to run until I was coming out. I am sure he will be fine for Rio. I guess he is just being cautious. I am not Usain Bolt, so I can’t be cautious, so I have to go out there and run no matter what.”

His main objective was achieved according to Powell, which was to make it through the trials with any further damage to his already injured structure.

“I am giving God thanks I could come and finish the trials,” Powell said. “That is what I wanted. I picked up an injury two week ago and it has been a battle since then. But I feel good to come here and finish trials.”

One of the thing he said helped him along his journey over the last two days campaigning inside the national stadium was the support of his fans who cheer him on as he took to the track. And he is hoping the support will continue as he makes the most of what he has left to give to track and field

“It’s a good feeling to know that people appreciate me and what I have done for Jamaica’s track and field. And I want them to continue to support me and don’t give up on me,” he implored.

He is also hoping to prove his fitness in time to edge a spot on the selectors roster to the Olympic Games in Rio. Powell has already drafted a plan that he thinks will get him on the relay team for Rio.

“I need like two to three more weeks then, I got on the circuit and run some fast times and allow them to see that I am fit and ready,” he revealed.

A fit Powell will no doubt be a valuable asset in the relay pool for Jamaica.

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