Asafa comment lifted Blake

Mills: Powell’s statement motivated Blake
Sunday, 25 September 2011 07:17 BY ANTHONY FOSTER, anthonyfos@gmail.com

KINGSTON, Jamaica - On June 26, 2011, a certain statement was made by Asafa Powell, which Glen Mills disclosed initially had some negative effects but ended up serving as a great motivational factor, for newly crowned World 100m Champion, Yohan Blake.

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The statement, not in exact words, went something like this, ‘this is a big man thing, not a boy thing’ and was said to come from the lips of Powell, who seconds before had beaten Blake in the highly anticipated Jamaica Trials, 100m clash.

Mills however, said: “I found it amusing. It was uncharacteristic of the gentleman, but its part of the sport and part of what makes it interesting. I’m sure it had more effect on Yohan than I but it was a good motivating point for him to prove himself.”

Also - Mills communicated on KLAS Radio afternoon programme - such a statement would not have been possible if Blake was fully fit.

“He ran injured and I have no doubt if his fitness was at a higher level, things would have been totally different,” he said.

Mills, who leading up to Daegu stated he expected fireworks from Blake, warned the world that they have not seen anything yet from ‘The Pearl’.

“He has not run what he is capable of in the 100m so far. He has not really as yet executed the perfect race. He had a strong wind against him at the WC, he stumbled in Zurich and got out badly in Berlin, but sooner or later it is inevitable that he’ll put a great 100m race together.”

Mills added: “He goes into the Olympics as a strong contender for the sprint titles.”

Blake became the yongest ever World 100m Champion at age 21. He was also a member of Jamaica’s team, who with Nesta Carter, Michael Frater and Usain Bolt, ran 37.04 secs to better their previous world record of 37.10 secs.

On the former, Jamaican WR team, Powell was a member instead of Blake.