40-Year-Old Track and Field Legend Announces Retirement After Two Decades of Stellar Run

Asafa Powell is one of the fastest men alive on the planet. Powell has a unique record that even his mate, Usain Bolt, couldn’t match. He had finished a 100m race in less than ten seconds 97 times, which is the most by anybody. However, despite being one of the fastest, Powell never won a medal in the 100m or 200m sprint in the Olympics.

He competed for the last time in the 2016 Olympics. The Jamaican sprinter celebrated his 40th birthday on 23rd November this year in Jamaica. However, after three days of celebrating his 40th year, the sprinter announced his retirement to his fans through Twitter.

The end of almost a two-decade-long career

Asafa Powell debuted in the 2004 Olympics and competed in four Olympics in his career. Other than 2004, he competed in the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympics. However, the former world record holder managed to win only one gold medal, which came in the 2016 Olympics in a 4X100m relay race. The Jamaican sprinter announced his retirement on 26th November 2022 via Twitter.

Powell said, “Chapter 40 & retired , a new phase of life . As I say good bye to the sport , I’d like to say thank you to all my loyal fans that stood by me my entire career and even now . I am also thankful for the opportunities the sport has given me . It’s been great & a-lot more to come” 

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Let’s have a look at the career and career achievements of the former world record holder.

Career highlights of Asafa Powell  

Asafa Powell is a man who ran 100m consistently under 10 seconds but never managed to win an Olympia or a World Championship medal. Powell created the world record in Grand Prix, New York, of running 100m in 9.74 seconds. However, it was broken by his countryman Usain Bolt in the upcoming years. 

Powell’s major achievements include being a two-time World Champion and a onetime Olympic champion. Moreover, he has been a 1x Diamond League champion and onetime silver medalist in the world championship. His personal best in the 100m race is 9.72 seconds and in the 200m race is 19.90 seconds. 

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The decision to retire was not a sudden one by the sprinter. According to World Athletics, Asafa Powell did not participate in the Jamaican Olympic Trials for the upcoming Olympics. The 40-year-old sprinter made the announcement three days after turning forty and welcomed the next phase of his life.