One of the best sprinters in track and field history has retired.
Jamaican sprint sensation Asafa Powell announced his retirement from the sport of track and field after competing in the sport for nearly two decades.
“Chapter 40 and retired, a new phase of life,” Powell said on twitter. “As I say goodbye 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 and alot more to come.”
Powell was the former world record holder in the men’s 100m with his time and personal best of 9.72. He proceeded to lower the record that he set multiple times from 2005 until it was broken by Usain Bolt in 2008. He’s gone sub 10 seconds in the event 97 times, which is a Guiness World Record.
While Powell did not win any individual gold medals in the 100m, he was a part of the Jamaican quartet that won the gold medal in the 4×100 relay at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016. He also won a bronze medal in the men’s 100m at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, as well as at the 2009 World Championships in Beijing.
