Powell's Run Only Raises More Questions

I still have not completely given up on him. On one hand, Asafa Powell the man voted least likely to earn an international medal in a solo event now holds the world’s fastest relay split.

Interesting.

According to the USATF High Performance Registered Split Analysis team, it was Powell not Bolt that ran a historic 8.70 seconds on the winning Jamaican 4x100-meter relay team that crossed the line in 37.10 seconds to break the USA’s previous mark of 37.40 seconds.

It was Powell who came in with second fastest 100-meter time in history and then in Beijing failed to crack the top three slots of the open 100-meters, but some how with a stick in his hand he reached a point that only Bob Hayes and Carl Lewis have seen before.

American superstar Bob Hayes blazed 8.74 seconds at the 1964 Tokyo Games when his time is converted. Carl Lewis ran 8.85 on anchor leg at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, when the U.S. first established the previous world record.

Then again, Powell is the previous world record holder, boasting a lifetime best of 9.72 seconds. He has proven that he can run 9.82 in the pouring rain, while jumping rope and drinking a latte.

Which leads to my next question. What is going on inside his head?

Reality tells us that the world has only seen a limited portion of what Powell can do on the track but the clock is ticking on Powell’s career and he seems like a nice enough guy, so I have a recommendation.

Powell should run his open races with a baton in his hand, imagining that he is running anchor on the 4x100-meter. The results could not be any worse than the fifth place finish in Beijing.

Sure--Powell might be the subject of ridicule by his peers, but he would be an immediate media darling for making their jobs that much easier.

Powell’s career and self esteem would benefit from seeking the counsel of a reputable sport psychologist to help with establishing relaxation techniques leading up to and during the race.

It would be money well spent even during a global financial crisis.

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Usain Bolt To Keep It Real

The three time Olympic champion and World Record holder Usain Bolt say that he will not be changed by the money and fame.

True to his word, the Jamaican has kept it real fast and fun. On Tuesday, Usain represented it with 19.63 in Luasanne.

Here is what he had to say...

By Jay Hicks.

Jamaica Sprinting Inspires Kicks

Nike iD has refreshed their Dunk High’s and Low’s for the Fall 2008 collection.

The second pair feature a floral jaquard in white or black, and the third are based a hero from the Olympics, Jamaican runner Asafa Powell the former world record holder as the fastest man on Earth. The pattern borrows the Jamaican Flag colors and a cheetah pattern seen in Powell's custom Olympic spikes and makes a bold and bright Dunk High and low. Act quickly because availability is short. Nike iD Studios.



Via Kickaholic.

Mavado's Music Video About Asafa Powell Is Jamaican Culture!

Track & field is a way of life in Jamaica. Dig this video of the making of Mavado’s, “On The Go, Faster Than a Bullet” a tribute song to Asafa Powell and his homeland of Jamaica. The popular Jamaican dancehall artist dropped a hot song! The island of 2.8 million will be jumping if a Jamaican born athlete wins the gold in Beijing.

Jamaica "home of the fastest man alive," loves their sprinters. Below are a pair of customized pair of Nikes in honor of Mavado and Asafa Powell and have 9.74 etched on the side.

Nike sponsored the project which looks like fun times were had by all, especially Asafa. The song is also available for purchase on I-Tunes, as well as Asafa’s Train For Speed Workout Playlist.

The 30 minute soundtrack includes hits by Sister Nancy, Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, and of course Mavado. You can check out Asafa’s Train for Speed soundtrack at I-Tunes.com.

Click here to watch the official music video on youtube.

By Jay Hicks.