Asafa Powell to Malmö Games

The former world record holder and one of the best sprinters in the world, Asafa Powell from Jamaica is coming to Malmö Arena 25 Februari to run 60 metres against the rest of the worlds top sprinters! Asafa is one of the most merited runners in the world and has several medals from World  Championships and also an Olympic Gold medal at home. He has also run more 100 metres under 10 seconds more than any other sprinter – 84 times!

Asafa recently ran his opening race for the season in Boston on February 7 and took second in 6.52.

– I have only been running in spikes för two weeks so I am very happy with this first race, says Asafa. It will be faster in my remaining two races, where Malmö is the last one.

Powell was also banned for doping 2013 but that ban was very controversial. Malmö Games meeting director Rajne Soderberg says:

– Asafa Powells case feels very special. He took a stimulant that was not declared on the table of content. And it was a substance that is ok to use in training but not in competition.

Soderberg is also critical to the ban of 18 months that Asafa first got but later was lowered after appeal to CAS.

– I think he was treated unfairly, comparing to what punishment other athletes got in similar cases. But I am glad he managed to get through this time and we support his comeback.

After the ban he was forced to change coach and he is no trained by his older brother Donovan Powell. Even he a merited sprinter with personal bests of 10.07 in 100 metres and 6.51 in 60 meters. Asafas goal is now to run faster than ever and take gold in the WC in Beijing later this year.

– Nothing is impossible. At 32 years of age you know how to put all pieces together. Asafa is really working to reach the 9.72 he ran a few years back. Personally I believe he can do it if he concentrates and stays healthy, says Donovan.

At Malmö Games he gets tough competition from this years world leader Kim Collins and the reigning World Champion Richard Kilty.