Powell: "Gimme five!"

ByEurosport

Published 18/08/2006 at 18:00 GMT

Jamaica's 100m world record holder Asafa Powell thinks his 9.77 mark is on the cards in Zurich on Friday – but only if he is drawn in lane five, while American 400m star Jeremy Wariner thinks he can go sub-44 more often than legend Michael Johnson.

ATHLETICS 2006 Stockholm Super Grand Prix Powell

Image credit: Reuters

"The world record is possible," said Powell before the meeting. "But I must have a great warm up and good start."

Powell has run under 10seconds nine times so far this season but since his world record equalling mark has not come close to the magical 9.7 mark. And he has a preference for where he runs these times:

ATHLETICS 2006 Asafa Powell

Image credit: Imago

Zurich Golden League

Jones shock at positive test

21/08/2006 at 22:23

"My favourite lane is five," he admitted. "All my best times were achieved on that lane, so I hope to get it also here."

Main rival Justin Gatlin  who shares the world record with Powell but may soon lose that title  will not be present due to his failed drugs test, which Powell expressed sorrow about.

"I am very sad that the duel with Justin Gatlin will not happen," stated Powell. "I was very shocked when I learned the news about him. From my point of view I do not believe in drugs and do not want to be with people who are on drugs."

2006, Justin Gatlin

Image credit: Imago

JOHNSON'S HEIR APPARENT

Jeremy Wariner is the heir apparent to Michael Johnson's throne as King of the 400m but is not thinking about a world record just yet.

"My main goal is to be consistent at high 43 and low 44 seconds, and except for one meet I was able to run under 44," he said.

It is this consistency he wants to achieve before realistically being able to challenge Johnson's mark of 43.18, needing to add a more powerful physique to his already near-perfect technical ability.

Wariner is, with Powell, in line for a share of the million dollar Golden League jackpot but he is not letting this affect his progress.

"I do not feel any pressure from the jackpot situation," the 22-year-old said. "I want to be focused on my races, my pace, to execute it the right way, doing my kick after 250 metres."