Daegu: A despondent Asafa Powell said today he still harboured hopes of clinching an elusive global sprinting title after injury forced him out of the 100m at the world championships.
The Jamaican, the fastest man in the world this season over 100m and defending champion Usain Bolt’s biggest rival in South Korea, pulled out on Thursday with a groin injury but vowed to come back stronger for the Olympics.
“I’m very down right now because I have trained 11 months for this and to come here and not be able to compete, I feel very disturbed about it,” said the 28-year-old.
Powell said he came to Daegu with real hopes of winning his first world or Olympic title despite the presence of his compatriot Bolt, the reigning Olympic champion and defending world champion in both the 100 and 200m.
“I’m very frustrated but over the years I’ve been injured and I keep going and keep going and this won’t stop me,” the rueful sprinter said, adding he felt fated not to win a global title. (PTI)