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Powell believes the fans have become 'spoilt' as they expect athletes to run 9.6 and 9.7 times in the 100m races nowadays.
Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell has revealed why modern day athletes are not appreciated enough since he exited the stage.
Powell was part of a generation of athletes that set incredibly high standards during their running days, one which also included runners like Usain Bolt and American duo of Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay.
In an interview with Athletics Weekly, Powell articulated how the high standards set by past champions have elevated fans' expectations to unprecedented levels.
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21:00 - 11.05.2024
Asafa Powell reveals why Jamaica has recently struggled in men's sprints compared to USA
Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell has revealed why Jamaica has found the going tough in men's sprints.
“I think the bar has been set so high and the expectations from the fans have been elevated,” Powell stated.
“When an athlete runs and it is not a 9.7 or a 9.6 or anything close to that, the fans are like it is not as fast as the guys before. I think the fans have been spoilt."
Powell emphasized the need for patience and appreciation for current athletes, urging fans to recognize the inherent unpredictability of sports and await the emergence of new talents who could potentially redefine the sport.
“But we just have to appreciate it and wait until that moment that someone will come and change the sport again.”
“It is the fastest race. Everybody loves speed. You look at Formula 1 car racing - people love speed. The 100m race shows who is the fastest in the universe, and that is why people love it so much,” Powell explained, highlighting the unique appeal of the 100m sprint.
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19:07 - 11.05.2024
Omanyala reveals past Olympic 100m race he would have loved to compete in
The legendary race Omanyala fantasized about being a part of included sprint legends Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, and America's Justin Gatlin.
“It is like you are giving 150 percent of your body all the time when running the sprint. It is a beautiful pace to watch.”
Moreover, Powell advocated for the involvement of retired athletes in shaping the future of track and field. He stressed the importance of creating platforms where athletes can share their insights and ideas to enhance the sport's overall experience.
“I think it would be a good idea for them to create something where athletes can share their ideas because we have them. We know what the fans want and what to do, but if we do not get that support from the generations within, we cannot do anything,” Powell remarked.
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16:00 - 10.05.2024
Justin Gatlin reveals key aspect he worked on in 2017 to finally beat Usain Bolt after 2015 glitch
Gatlin has revealed the aspect about his racing he worked on after failing to beat an 'off form' Bolt at the 2015 World Championships to finally beat him in 2017.
His sentiments underscore the significance of incorporating the wisdom and perspectives of former athletes into initiatives aimed at advancing the sport, ensuring its continued growth and relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of athletics.
As the world eagerly anticipates the next wave of track and field stars, Powell's words serve as a reminder to cherish the present while embracing the potential for future greatness.
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