Asafa Powell of Jamaica celebrates winning the World Athletics Final (© Getty Images)
Jamaica’s World 100m record holder Asafa Powell was the official starter for the Avia OC Marathon in Irvine, California, USA on Sunday (6 Jan) from where he was interviewed by Larry Eder of American Track and Field. Thanks to the kind permission of the author we now bring you an extract of the full interview which was published in full on RunBlogRun.
When did you know that you could make it as a professional runner?
“At first I was not really thinking about that. I went to the University of Kingston. My coach, Steven Francis brought me to Europe in 2002. I saw I was getting some money. That was when I realized that I was a professional runner.”
Do you still enjoy being a professional runner?
“I am still enjoying it, although some people put a lot of pressure, expectations on me. Pressure is pretty hard sometimes.���
Tell us about the World record this past summer?
“That felt very relaxed. I was not expecting to run a World record. We were there to make a couple of corrections with my coach. We did some practice sessions. I went out and tried it and I was very surprised!”
What does it feel like to set a World record?
“Great feeling. It has been a while for me, since 2005 (first record: 100m - 9.77sec, 14 June 2005), so, I am kind of getting use to it. I am really loving it, you get a lot more popularity, you get a lot more respect.”
How much faster can you go?
“Well, I ran very easy for the last World record. 9.68. Today, (laugh), someone dreamt that I ran 9.6, that is a dream, though!”
You talk about correcting little imperfections surely there are not a lot more things to correct in your sprinting?
“There is a lot more to correct! My coach said that I did not do part of what we practiced (during the World record run). There is always something to correct.”
What has it been like to run in Olympics, World champs?
“My first Olympics was a dream for me, growing up, that was only thing that most people dream about, to go to Olympics. I was very nervous, at such a young age.”
I remember seeing you in Athens in the 100 metres! What did it feel like on the track with the music and 80,000 Greek fans clapping and stomping?
“When I went out there, I was really excited, when all the music started, the crowd made alot of noise. I got the chills when I started to think, this is the Olympic final. I am in the Olympic final!”
What is your best distance? 100 metres, 200 metres?
“If I really trained for 400 meters I could do a good time. I can run a real fast 200 meters, if I really go for it. I like it the 400 meters, but, it requires a lot of training, I would run the 400 meters, if i could train like it was the 100 meters ( slight laugh).”
I asked Carl Lewis the same question. He asked me if I was crazy!
>a reply to which Asafa laughs<
What would you tell young runners about your event?
“The key to the 100 metres is that it is very technical. It takes lot of hard work. A lot of people might say, the race is so short, it cannot take much training. But it takes a lot of time. You have to be dedicated, do what you do in practice when you race on the track. Execute from the start to the finish, always remember to execute.”
Who is your favourite track athlete of all times? Competing today?
>Asafa was concerned he would leave someone out, so I promised him that we would say he admires many athletes...<
I really like Linford Christie, he reminds me of me, as he is very tall when he is running. Right now, I like Jeremy Wariner and Sanya Richards. I like Tyson Gay, he is a very fine sprinter. I admire many athletes, I do not want anyone to think I have not included them.”
If you were not a sprinter, what event in track and field would you do?
“I would do the Long Jump.”
Asafa, here is your final question. Do you like running relays?
“Relays are the most exciting. They require teamwork. I really like to go with a team. You put out alot more. Teamwork is key. I push myself a lot better (in order) to give my team a gold medal!”
Larry Eder for the IAAF
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