Statement from Asafa Powell

I will confirm that a sample I gave at the National Trials in June earlier this year has returned “adverse findings”. The substance oxilofrine (methylsynephrine) was found, which is considered by the authorities to be a banned stimulant. I want to be clear in saying to my family, friends, and most of all my fans worldwide that I have never knowingly or wilfully taken any supplements or substances that break any rules. I am not now—nor have I ever been—a cheat.

My team has launched an internal investigation and we are cooperating with the relevant agencies and law enforcement authorities to discover how the substance got in my system. I assure you that we will find out how this substance passed our rigorous internal checks and balances and design systems to make sure it never happens again.

My attitude towards doping regulations and testing is well-known and I willingly give samples whenever requested. This result has left me completely devastated in many respects. Professionally, this finding fully negates any possibility of me being apart of Jamaica’s contingent of athletes competing at  World Championships in Moscow later this summer. Personally, however, this result comes at a greater cost. I write this statement knowing fully that my family, friends, fans and country will be disappointed at this latest development. I am reeling from this genuinely surprising result. I am confident, however, that I will come out stronger and wiser and better prepared to deal with the many twists and turns of being a professional athlete.

I accept the consequences that come with this finding —after all there is only one Asafa Powell. My fault here however is not cheating but instead not being more vigilant. I want to reiterate that in my entire career as an athlete I have never sought to enhance my performance with any substance. It is not apart of who I am or what I believe in.

I wish to thank all the people who have so far reached out to us to offer support and this experience has reminded me of how blessed and lucky I am to be able to do what I love for a living.

10 comments

  1. I am a Jamaican living in London. I would like to thank you for the entertainment you and other athletes have provided us over the years. You have done Jamaica proud. I am proud to be a Jamaican only because you and other Jamaican athletes have changed the perceptions of others towards our beautiful country. Continue to shine and remember that we are proud of you. I strongly support you in this dark time. We all stand with you.

  2. Stay strong Asafa

  3. I am sure that you doesnt cheat. I hope that the people will find out that someone else give you something illegal and you dont know. Dont give out and come back in 2 years please.

  4. Asafa we are in this with you and praying that the Lord Jesus will give you strength and wisdom while you endure this unfortunate period of time. We all know you are innocent so just lean on Jesus.

    We can’t wait to rejoice with you when this is all over.

    Looking forward to see you go to 100 sub 10 seconds run.

  5. Stand tall Safa, you shall overcome!

  6. i believe u…………..u r my star…………..i m frm india

  7. It will be well asafa

  8. Looking forward to hearing how this happened and hope it will not taint our very high opinion of you. We respect you and what you have done for track and field in Jamaica. All the best

  9. You inspire ppl you are awesome and no matter what i will continue being your number 1 fan…. We have your back

  10. God be praised!!!!! Free at last. Today is one day short of a year since I first submit a comment (July 15, 2013).

    I am REJOICING now because I always knew that you were not guilty and that you will be vindicated eventually. Just as I said then I live to rejoice this day that the Lord has set you free.

    You are a the original trailblazer yet you remain so humble.

    One day I hope to post the magazine we “Student’s Union” did with you in 2002 at UTech when you were at track house.

    Soldier (Herman) told us you were gonna be great and he was right.

    Safa fi life!!!!!

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