Plagued by preseason injuries throughout his track and field career, former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell is happy that at this point in the season he has remained injury-free as he looks forward to his swansong Olympic Games later this summer.

Speaking with reporters after finally getting his season underway at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, last weekend, the 38-year-old acknowledged that time is no longer his friend and so he is planning to leave it all on the track in 2021.

“So far everything is going smoothly and I am looking forward to it [Olympic Games], because I am not getting any younger, so this has to be the year. So, I am just being confident and staying healthy,” he said.

Powell began his season by running a 400m, after his failed attempts at completing a 60m two weeks earlier. He explained his bemusing race strategy, after many people were left scratching their heads at the end of it all.

“It was a more comfortable race to be in for me, but very hard. I had a lot more in me, but I didn’t know where I was [fitness-wise], so I was just feeling out the 400m. I haven’t run the 400m in a few years, so I was kinda hesitant and just being cautious. I didn’t want to tie up too much at the end, but I am feeling good,” he shared.

With the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Qualification Trials Series now complete, Powell is looking forward to similar events being held on local soil to keep the athletes engaged and allow them to perform more consistently on the island.

“Hopefully, we can go forward and keep a lot more of these events. I am hoping that everything goes according to plan, everyone is staying safe.

“Once everyone stays safe, we can keep a lot more of these events, and you will see us competing a lot more,” Powell noted.

With the Olympic Games delayed by a full year from 2020 and a number of international events cancelled or postponed, the MVP Track Club athlete is hoping for a smoother ride in 2021.

“I am very much looking forward to the entire season, because it’s going to be a very interesting one. I want it to go smoothly.

“Everything keeps getting put off or put to a later date, so first thing is for everything to go smoothly, and I am definitely looking forward to the season, the World Relays, Olympic Games, the Diamond League, just travelling again,” said the former world record holder over 100m.

Powell will be hunting his first individual Olympic medal in what would be his fifth consecutive Games should he make the team.

— Dwayne Richards