I am the only man to beat Usain Bolt: Asafa Powell

 Asafa Powell, who has had a forgettable 2009 due to injuries, speaks to DNA about the season ahead and fellow Jamaican competitor Usain Bolt.

You recently said that beating Bolt is your next target. What keeps you going, despite defeats?
In 2006, I had no serious injuries and nobody could beat me. Every year since then I have had injuries. I am still the only man to ever beat Bolt in the 100m and I know I am capable of doing it again. I believe I am as talented as anyone in the world.

What are your comments on sledging in athletic world?
To be honest, no one really sledges me. If they did, it would only motivate me more to beat them. In general we have a lot of respect for each other at the top and we prefer to let our feet do the talking.

Do you sledge also?
Never.

You hail from a spiritual family. Has spirituality helped you in achieving your goals?
Yes, my spirituality has helped me become the man I am today, and especially helped me getting through the death of my two brothers.

The year 2009 has not been the way it should have been…
In 2009, I missed nine weeks of training during a very important part of the season due to an ankle injury. I think what I achieved in Berlin under those circumstances is the best I could have expected. I will be much better in 2010.

There are many who would hope for Asafa’s comeback. When is this likely to happen?
I am planning to come back now… I am training hard and am injury free, so mentally, I am already back.

Do you compete against Bolt in particular when you race?
There is no question, when Bolt is in the race you are expecting a fast race. But when I line up against him it really is no different than anyone else. All I try to do, is to execute my race plan and get to the finish line first.

What would be your most cherished moment — beating Bolt in world championship or the Olympics?
Winning the Olympics is the most cherished prize in our sport, whether Bolt is in the race or not. Winning Gold at the Olympics is the ultimate goal.

Apart from being arch-rivals, who are Bolt and Asafa, off the track?
Usain and I are very good friends, off the track. We both are guys who like to have fun and we get along great.