KINGSTON, Jamaica, May 29, 2008 (AFP) - Jamaican Asafa Powell, the 100 metre world record holder, admitted a lack of maturity cost him the Olympic Games gold medal in Athens.
But he is now mentally stronger and more focussed on the Beijing task ahead this summer, saying he is well-prepared for what awaits him this time around.
``Four years ago, I was not that strong, so that weight was too much for me,’’ he said on Thursday.
``This time around I am a lot more mature and focussed,’’ continued the man, who ran 9.74 for the new record last year in Reiti, Italy.
I can bear the pressure now,'' added Powell. I am just waiting for the time to deliver.’’
Meanwhile, Powell held back when quizzed about his expectations for the clash against Tyson Gay in London in July. A win is always important ... sometimes there is no other position. Being a Jamaican they don't want to see anything but first, so a win there would be very important. I am not going there to lose. I am going there to put out all my effort.’’
Oh yeah that’s true. I think everyone’s forgotten that Jamaican sprinting has depth and the chance exists that Asafa might not even qualify. It’s unlikely though. But I’m sure Bolt, Thomas and Frater among others will be hungry for individual births…
I don’t think Olympic qualifying will be a problem for him. He may not win the trials if Bolt wishes to enter, but I can’t see another guy beating him as of yet, let alone two!
Until you run for the medals, a big part of it all is entertainment - like in showbiz. Some journo asks him “what about that Elephant in the room - you always fail in the big ones?”
What’s he realistically going to reply: Yep, and I’ll probably fail again in Beijing!" ?
Of course not, he’s going to give the guy the party line, everything is on the up, I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, I’ll win gold this time - keep those sponsorship dollars coming in, thanks everyone (now where is the physiotherapist who is supposed to be holding my shoulder together?)
While Asafa’s comments are part of playing the marketing game, they are probably also part of the psychological shield all top athletes need to have in place to keep the negatives (pushed by others) out of their head. Doubt is a cancer.
Until you run for the medals, a big part of it all is entertainment - like in showbiz. Some journo asks him “what about that Elephant in the room - you always fail in the big ones?”
What’s he realistically going to reply: Yep, and I’ll probably fail again in Beijing!" ?
Of course not, he’s going to give the guy the party line, everything is on the up, I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, I’ll win gold this time - keep those sponsorship dollars coming in, thanks everyone (now where is the physiotherapist who is supposed to be holding my shoulder together?)
While Asafa’s comments are part of playing the marketing game, they are probably also part of the psychological shield all top athletes need to have in place to keep the negatives (pushed by others) out of their head. Doubt is a cancer.
Until you run for the medals, a big part of it all is entertainment - like in showbiz. Some journo asks him “what about that Elephant in the room - you always fail in the big ones?”
What’s he realistically going to reply: Yep, and I’ll probably fail again in Beijing!" ?
Of course not, he’s going to give the guy the party line, everything is on the up, I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, I’ll win gold this time - keep those sponsorship dollars coming in, thanks everyone (now where is the physiotherapist who is supposed to be holding my shoulder together?)
While Asafa’s comments are part of playing the marketing game, they are probably also part of the psychological shield all top athletes need to have in place to keep the negatives (pushed by others) out of their head. Doubt is a cancer.
Until you run for the medals, a big part of it all is entertainment - like in showbiz. Some journo asks him “what about that Elephant in the room - you always fail in the big ones?”
What’s he realistically going to reply: Yep, and I’ll probably fail again in Beijing!" ?
Of course not, he’s going to give the guy the party line, everything is on the up, I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, I’ll win gold this time - keep those sponsorship dollars coming in, thanks everyone (now where is the physiotherapist who is supposed to be holding my shoulder together?)
While Asafa’s comments are part of playing the marketing game, they are probably also part of the psychological shield all top athletes need to have in place to keep the negatives (pushed by others) out of their head. Doubt is a cancer.
Until you run for the medals, a big part of it all is entertainment - like in showbiz. Some journo asks him “what about that Elephant in the room - you always fail in the big ones?”
What’s he realistically going to reply: Yep, and I’ll probably fail again in Beijing!" ?
Of course not, he’s going to give the guy the party line, everything is on the up, I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, I’ll win gold this time - keep those sponsorship dollars coming in, thanks everyone (now where is the physiotherapist who is supposed to be holding my shoulder together?)
While Asafa’s comments are part of playing the marketing game, they are probably also part of the psychological shield all top athletes need to have in place to keep the negatives (pushed by others) out of their head. Doubt is a cancer.
Until you run for the medals, a big part of it all is entertainment - like in showbiz. Some journo asks him “what about that Elephant in the room - you always fail in the big ones?”
What’s he realistically going to reply: Yep, and I’ll probably fail again in Beijing!" ?
Of course not, he’s going to give the guy the party line, everything is on the up, I’ve learned my lessons the hard way, I’ll win gold this time - keep those sponsorship dollars coming in, thanks everyone (now where is the physiotherapist who is supposed to be holding my shoulder together?)
While Asafa’s comments are part of playing the marketing game, they are probably also part of the psychological shield all top athletes need to have in place to keep the negatives (pushed by others) out of their head. Doubt is a cancer.
