Wish I Didn’t Run for Jamaica– Asafa Powell Regrets Turning Down Millions for Nationality Loyalty

Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell has revealed that he turned down millions in favour of staying with his beloved country in 2006.

The 43-year-old who holds the world record for the 100-yard dash with a time of 9.09 seconds, set in  2010 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, maintained that his decision was informed by his patriotism.

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Powell, who has never won an individual Olympic medal despite participating in three Olympics, now regrets his decision because of the the bleak future of Jamaican athletes who retire to financial uncertainty as revealed by Essentially Sports.

"Money makes the world go, and everybody wants more money and more money every day,” Powell laments.

To understand the depth of Powell’s frustration, the two-time Diamond League 100m champion, went on: “I remember back in 2006 I was offered millions, millions of US dollars to run for another country and at the time I turned it down because I didn’t know what the future would hold. If I knew what I know now, I would’ve taken up that opportunity.”

As reported by Pulse Sports Kenya previously, Powell has hinted that he won't allow his kids to follow into his footsteps unless the sorry state of athletes welfare is sorted out by the concerned authorities in Jamaica.

Despite winning medals, bringing fame and putting their countries on the global map, athletes continue to lead miserable lives globally and Powell's concerns come at a crucial time when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made leadership changes at the helm.

Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry is set to take over from Thomas Bach as President following March elections.

Powell set the 100m world record twice, between June 2005 and May 2008 with times of 9.77 and 9.74 seconds before the emergence of compatriot Usain Bolt in 2008. 

Powell has consistently broken the 10-second barrier in competition, with his personal best of 9.72 seconds ranking fourth on the all-time list of men's 100-metre athletes.

Powell competed in the 100m at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics, finishing fifth in 2004 and 2008 and eighth after injuring his groin during the race in 2012 London Olympics.