“I Regret Running for Jamaica” – Asafa Powell Slams Poor Support System, Vows His Kids Won’t Follow His Footsteps
In a bold and emotional revelation, legendary sprinter Asafa Powell has voiced deep regret over his decision to represent Jamaica during his career, citing years of neglect and lack of support from the country’s athletic authorities. Powell, one of the most prolific sprinters in history, made the stunning comments in a recent social media post that has since sparked widespread conversation.
The former world record holder in the 100m, famously known as the “Sub-10 King” for clocking sub-10 second times over 90 times—a feat no other sprinter has matched—said he turned down lucrative offers to switch nationality in 2006, a decision he now regrets.
“I remember back in 2006, I was offered millions of USD to run for another country, and at the time I turned it down because I didn’t know what the future held,” Powell revealed. “If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken that opportunity.”
A Viral Moment Sparks Reflection
The candid post came on the heels of a viral video showing his young son dominating a school sports day race. While many Jamaicans saw it as a sign that sprinting greatness runs in the family, Powell used the moment to reflect on his own journey—and issue a warning.
“Honestly guys, if the support system doesn’t change, my kids are not running for Jamaica,” Powell declared. “Sorry to say that—it’s just facts. My wife is Canadian and Ghanaian, so there are options.”
He stressed that his children will not run for free or out of blind patriotism as he did. Powell made it clear that without structural reforms and tangible support for athletes, his family won’t continue the tradition of competing under the Jamaican flag.
“I Ran for Free My Whole Life”
In a poignant reflection, Powell said that despite winning medals and flying the Jamaican flag high, he has received nothing in return from the system he once proudly represented.
“No athlete wants to retire and go work 9 to 5 or sit down struggling and wondering what’s next. We all want to have a good life afterward—money should work for us when we retire,” he said. “I ran for Jamaica just for pride, and I’ve never gotten anything from the country.”
His statements echo similar sentiments expressed by other Jamaican athletes in the past, who have voiced frustrations about the lack of post-retirement support, funding, and recognition despite putting the nation on the global map in track and field.
A Sprinting Icon With Untapped Legacy
Powell’s legacy is monumental. He held the 100m world record before Usain Bolt, with a personal best of 9.72 seconds—still the fourth fastest in history. A two-time Olympic gold medallist and five-time World Championships medallist, Powell helped solidify Jamaica’s dominance in sprinting on the global stage.
Yet, despite these accolades, Powell’s heartfelt post highlights a recurring issue: the gap between national glory and athlete welfare.
Final Word
Asafa Powell’s remarks serve as both a personal confession and a call to action. If a sprinting icon of his caliber feels unappreciated and unsupported, what hope is there for upcoming talents?
With Jamaica’s reputation as a sprinting powerhouse, his comments are a wake-up call for the nation’s athletic authorities to reassess how they treat their heroes—not just during their prime, but long after they’ve hung up their spikes.
“If nothing changes,” Powell said, “these kids are not running for Jamaica.” And perhaps, if nothing changes, the future of Jamaican sprinting might run elsewhere.
