Tell me a bio of Asafa Powell.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Asafa Powell is a Jamaican former sprinter, born on November 23, 1982, in Trelawny, Jamaica. He is best known for holding the world record in the 100 meters for six years, from June 2005 to August 2008.

**Early Life and Career**

Powell grew up in a small village in Jamaica, where he was introduced to athletics at a young age. He began competing in local and national events, eventually joining the Jamaican national team. Powell's early success led to him being coached by Glen Mills, who would become a significant influence on his career.

**Achievements**

Powell's most notable achievement is holding the world record in the 100 meters for six years, with a time of 9.77 seconds. He achieved this record on June 14, 2005, at the Athens Olympic Stadium in Greece. Powell's record stood until August 16, 2008, when Usain Bolt broke it with a time of 9.69 seconds.

Powell's other notable achievements include:

* Winning three World Championship gold medals (2007, 2009, and 2011)
* Winning two Olympic silver medals (2008 and 2012)
* Setting the world record in the 4x100 meters relay with a time of 37.10 seconds
* Holding the Jamaican national record in the 100 meters and 200 meters

**Impact**

Powell's impact on the world of athletics is significant. He was a key figure in the Jamaican sprint team that dominated the sport in the mid to late 2000s. Powell's rivalry with Usain Bolt, another Jamaican sprinter, helped to raise the profile of athletics and attract new fans to the sport.

Powell's achievements also helped to inspire a new generation of athletes in Jamaica and around the world. He was a role model for young athletes, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in achieving success.

**Personal Life**

Powell is married to Olean Gordon, and they have two children together. He is a devout Christian and has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including working with the Jamaican government to promote sports development and education.

**Retirement**

Powell announced his retirement from professional athletics in 2014, citing a combination of factors, including a positive test for a banned substance (which was later cleared) and a desire to focus on his personal and family life. Despite his retirement, Powell remains involved in the world of athletics, working as a coach and mentor to young athletes.
Asafa Powell is a Jamaican former track and field athlete, best known for his record-holding time in the 100 meters sprint event. Here are some key facts about his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life**

Asafa Powell was born on July 23, 1982, in Trelawny, Jamaica. He grew up in a family of farmers and had to drop out of school in the fifth grade to help support his family financially.

**Career**

Powell began his athletic career in the 2000s and quickly rose to fame due to his impressive speed. He represented Jamaica in the 100 meters sprint event and won several national and international championships.

**Achievements**

Powell's achievements in the sport of athletics are numerous, but some of his most notable accomplishments include:

1. **100 meters world record**: Powell held the world record in the 100 meters sprint event for six years, with a time of 9.77 seconds set in 2007.
2. **Three-time Olympic silver medalist**: Powell won silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2012 London Olympics, and 2008 World Championships.
3. **Three-time Diamond League champion**: Powell won the Diamond League championship in the 100 meters sprint event three times (2006, 2007, and 2008).
4. **World champion**: Powell won the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, with a time of 9.74 seconds.

**Impact**

Powell's impact on the sport of athletics extends beyond his impressive achievements. He is considered one of the fastest men in the world and has inspired a generation of young athletes to pursue careers in track and field.

**Challenges and Later Life**

Powell's career was marred by several challenges, including a doping controversy in 2013. He tested positive for the stimulant oxiload in a sample collected in June 2013. Although he claimed the substance was not a performance-enhancing drug, he was banned for six months by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association.

After his retirement from athletics in 2018, Powell announced his intention to run for public office in Jamaica. He has since been involved in various community development initiatives, including the establishment of a youth sports academy.

**Personal Life**

Powell is married to Olean Simpson, and the couple has two children together. He is also a devout Christian and has spoken publicly about the importance of his faith in his life.