Asafa Powell happy to be Back on the Track

Asafa Powell, the 32 year old Jamaican sprinter has been through a lot over the past two years and is looking forward to the upcoming season. Powell, the former world record holder in the 100m, has a lifetime best time of 9.72 seconds in the 100m, which makes him the fifth fastest man of all time over the 100m. The prolific sprinter, who is also credited with running the most sub-10 seconds 100m races, is coming off a 6-month suspension for testing positive for the drug oxilofrine in 2013. He was initially given an 18 month ban by the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission (JADCO); however, that banned was later reduced to 6 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). The banned was subsequently lifted by the CAS on July 14, 2014. Powell has now put this unfortunate episode behind him and is happy to be competing again. At the Penn Relays last weekend Asafa couldn’t conceal his excitement to be back on the track. “I am very excited to be here at the Penn Relays running for my country,” said Asafa. In his season debut last Saturday at the Penn Relays, Asafa anchored his Jamaican team to a second place finished in a time of 38.88 seconds, behind the USA Red team (38.68). The Jamaican quartet of Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Jason Livermore and Powell, finished ahead of the USA Blue team (38.92).  Commenting on his performance, Asafa said, “I got a chance to shake out my legs a bit; I have been through a lot over the past two years and this is just me coming back and putting my foot where it is supposed to be [on the track].” Excited As far as the rest of the season is concerned, Asafa is excited about the upcoming World Championship. Powell missed the 2013 edition due to suspension, and is out to make amends at the 2015 Beijing World Championship, scheduled for August 22-30, 2015 “I am very excited about being on the track and competing after two years of not competing.” As far as training, Asafa said, “I have been training well so far; everything is going smoothly, so this season should be a very exciting one.” Up next for Powell is the 2015 International Meeting Region de Guadeloupe, set for this Saturday May 2,  while  his relay teammates will be at  the 2015 IAAF World Relays at the Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in the Bahamas on May 2-3, 2015, where Usain Bolt is scheduled to bolster the Jamaican 4x100m relay team.     Edited by Raymond Byfield   Like us on  Facebook Follow us on Twitter