PORTLAND, United States — Asafa Powell ran a new Jamaican national record, lifetime best and the fourth fastest 60-m ever when he won his heat in 6.44 seconds in the morning session of the IAAF World Indoor Championships at the Oregon Convention Centre in Portland.
Powell, who is known for his bullet-like starts, got out of the blocks early and powered away from the field to win easily.
He says he has more in the tank for the other two races later today.
“My legs are feeling great,” he told OBSERVER ONLINE, “I was quite comfortable. I was just focusing on my technique, not focusing on anyone else or any time, just to get the finish line.”
The former 100m World Record holder said he is prepared for the semi-final and finals later today.
“I will just come back and repeat the same thing over and over later,” Powell said.
“I am fit and doing a lot of background work; I am preparing for the outdoors, so I have a lot left in my legs and I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.”
Powell is the only Jamaican in the event as neither Kevaughn Rattray nor Odean Skeen, who were named in the team, were declared on the starting list.
Meanwhile, the evergreen Kim Collins, who will be 40 next month, also advanced after winning his heat in 6.56 seconds. (Jamaica Observer)
(Paul Reid)
