Asafa Powell has said that his children may not compete for Jamaica because of the poor sports governance and athlete support in the country.
Powell’s children – if they decide to step into track and field – will have big shoes to fill.
The Jamaican ran the 100m under 10 seconds 97 times, the most in history, with second-place Justin Gatlin far behind on 53.
To this day, he remains the fourth fastest man of all-time, despite failing to win an individual Olympic medal.
While vlogging his children’s sports day on his YouTube channel ‘The Powells’ – the former sprinter told viewers that the landscape of track and field in Jamaica needs to change.
The YouTube channel currently sits on 146k subscribers where, in addition to family vlogs, they upload podcasts featuring guests such as Noah Lyles and Gatlin.
“So whenever I post videos or anything of the boys doing sports or track, people are always like, ‘Yo, the future looks good’ or ‘Future stars,’” Powell said.
“But honestly, guys, if the support system doesn’t change, my kids are not running for Jamaica. Not running for Jamaica. Sorry to say that — but it’s just facts.”
Options remain open for his two children, Avani and Liam, as they have Canadian and Ghanaian heritage thanks to his wife, Alyshia.
Powell also revealed he turned down millions to represent another country – and admitted he regrets the decision to run for Jamaica.
“At the time, I turned it down because I didn’t know what the future would hold,” said Powell.
“It was very early. But if I knew then what I know now, I would have taken that opportunity.
“No athlete wants to retire and go work a 9-to-5 or sit down struggling, wondering what’s next.”
Despite the rise of Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Yohan Blake, the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association has faced ongoing scrutiny in recent years.
Powell is not the first Jamaican sports star to complain about sports governance.
Speaking after an outing at the Diamond League in 2024, Blake said: “My own country Jamaica doesn’t give me the respect.
“But I’m happy they don’t because other people outside do, and they appreciate me more than my own country.
“I’m happy that I’m able to be crowned elsewhere apart from Jamaica, so I’m looking to continue to do what I’m doing until I’m happy to step away when it’s time.”
Fastest 100m sprinters in history
| Ranking | Sprinter | Personal best (seconds) | Year |
| 1 | Usain Bolt | 9.58 | 2009 |
| =2 | Yohan Blake | 9.69 | 2012 |
| =2 | Tyson Gay | 9.69 | 2009 |
| 4 | Asafa Powell | 9.72 | 2008 |
| 5 | Justin Gatlin | 9.74 | 2015 |
| =6 | Christian Coleman | 9.76 | 2019 |
| =6 | Trayvon Bromell | 9.76 | 2021 |
| =6 | Fred Kerley | 9.76 | 2022 |
| =9 | Ferdinand Omanyala | 9.77 | 2021 |
| =9 | Kishane Thompson | 9.77 | 2024 |
Leon Bailey made headlines last year when he stepped away from the football national team due to ‘unprofessional’ behaviour from the governing board.
Furthermore, the Jamaican Football Federation has faced criticism for its funding of the women’s national team.
In 2008, the team was disbanded, and in 2019, players refused to play during a pay dispute.
