KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaican Asafa Powell says he is thrilled by the prospect of becoming the official “sub-10 King”, when his international campaign gets underway next season.
The 32-year-old has dipped below the 10-second barrier 93 times in what has been a rewarding career, and now needs just seven more such performances to become the first athlete to achieve 100 legal sub-10 clockings.
“I am very excited about getting the 100 sub-10 seconds time,” the Jamaica Observer quoted Powell as saying.
“People have been making a big deal over it. And it has become a major part of me, a major part of my image to be the ‘sub-10 king’, and it is very exciting. Everyone is looking forward to it and I am looking forward as well.”
He added: “We hope to push the marketing more so people can expect it and get excited.”
Powell has been one of the fastest sprinters in history, and is a former 100m record holder with a time of 9.72 seconds. Only World record holder, fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt, has gone faster.
Injury in 2012 and suspension the following year hindered his progress but he returned last year to register three times under 10 seconds.
For all his fast times, however, Powell is yet to win individual gold at a major championship, with a World and Olympic title having eluded him throughout his career.
However, Powell said he was in good shape and would continue to work hard, especially with the Rio Olympics on the cards next year.
“My body feels great, I don’t feel like I am 32-years-old, I feel fresh and strong,” he said.
“Next year is a big year and I will continue to work hard, my body not overworked as I started my career late, so I have a lot left.”