Strong warning to Jamaica from Asafa Powell

Former Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell warns his children will not pursue athletic opportunities for Jamaica unless certain support systems are established. Furthermore, he indicated that, upon reflection, he would choose not to compete for Jamaica if given another chance. Powell made these comments in a social media post following a previous video showcasing his son’s victory at a school sports day, which led to suggestions among Jamaicans that the boy may become a future track star for the island.

He had a response for Jamaicans who he said are saying, “Yow, our future looks good and all that stuff”.

“Honestly guys, if the support system don’t change, my kids not running for Jamaica,” the former 100m world record holder said.

“I’m sorry to say that …but it’s just facts. My wife is Canadian and Ghanian so there are options,” he added.

“When you tell your kids to remember who your father is. Unfortunately Amieke didn’t get to run because of the rain or else would be the same outcome. 😅😅 YELLOW HOUSE!!!!!”, Powell wrote while posting the video below

But some readers did not take his comment kindly. Powell was lambasted in the comment section.

One reader wrote, “Not even him did a run for Jamaica he was running for himself. Diamond league him run and win”.

Another person wrote: Asafa please!! How you know they’re going to become athletes?? Asafa miserable and cuss bout everything. 😑

Diamond League runners usually do not compete for their country in team events like the Olympics or World Championships. Instead, the Diamond League is a global series of individual track and field competitions where athletes compete based on their personal rankings.

Despite representing Jamaica and undoubtedly being one of the greats in Jamaican track and field, most of his accomplishments are on a personal level.

Asafa Powell really made a name for himself in the Diamond League, especially with his awesome wins in the 100 meters—like that epic 9.81 seconds run in Paris back in 2015, and then the 9.96 seconds in Zurich in 2016. He also scored the Diamond League title for the 100 meters in both 2011 and 2016, which is pretty impressive!

• Paris 2015: Powell won the 100m race with a time of 9.81 seconds, his fastest 100m in four years, and he was the second fastest man of 2015, only behind Justin Gatlin. 
• Zürich 2016: Powell won the 100m race with a time of 9.96 seconds. 
• Diamond League Titles: Powell won the 100m Diamond League title in 2011 and 2016. 
• Other Notable Performances: In 2008, he ran a personal best of 9.72 seconds in the 100m in Lausanne. In 2006, he ran a personal best of 19.90 seconds in the 200m in Kingston. 

Are the Powell kids really aged between 11 and 2 years old? Isn’t it a bit peculiar that the 11-year-old hasn’t started demonstrating any sprinting abilities by now?, one reader suggested.

Powell seems to have an ongoing list of gripes about Jamaica’s track and field scene, often questioning the nation’s obsession with Bolt. At one point, he even suggested that Jamaicans should feel fortunate he’s still residing on the island.