Asafa Powell is a Jamaican sprinter who has broken the 10-second barrier for the 100m legally more times than any other runner in the history of athletics.

Powell, a keen car enthusiast, had plans to be a mechanic before taking up running while studying in Kingston, Jamaica. While representing his school, Charlemont High, Powell caught the eye of coach Stephen Francis, and the pair began working together a week later, in 2001.

At the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, Powell finished fifth in the 100m semi-finals, setting a new personal best of 10.26 seconds. After winning the Jamaican National Championship, Powell suffered humiliation as he was disqualified, along with American Jon Drummond, during the 100m final of the 2003 World Championships. Powell's reactions were timed at 0.086s but he and Drummond, who for a considerable amount of time refused to leave the track, were both thrown out of the race, which did not conclude until an hour after the notorious incident.

It wasn't until June 2004 that Powell ran his first sub-10 second time, a mark of 9.99s at the National Junior Track and Field Championships. Unfortunately for Powell, despite being one of the favourites, he failed to hit top form at the 2004 Olympics, finishing fifth. Notwithstanding his unquestionable talent, many began to question whether he had the mental strength to win on the biggest stage - doubts which have persisted throughout his career. Powell quickly put his Olympic disappointment behind him by setting a new national record of 9.87s in September.

Records kept on tumbling as Powell bettered his national mark at the Jamaica International Invitational in May 2005. A world record followed, with Powell running 9.77s to become the fastest man on the planet. The new world record holder couldn't showcase his talent at the World Championships, however, as a groin injury cut short his season. Powell was soon firing on all cylinders as he won the 2006 Commonwealth Games 100m, before helping the 4x100m relay team to glory and sealing a memorable double gold. At the 2007 World Championships, Powell's tendency to succumb to nerves was evident once again as he finished third in the final.

Determined to prove himself at the highest level, Powell entered the 2008 Olympics high on confidence. However, he came fifth in the showpiece, with compatriot Usain Bolt lowering the world record to 9.69s. Powell returned to prominence later in the year, however, redeeming himself by running a new personal best of 9.72s in Lausanne. In the final of the 2009 World Championships 100m, Bolt was again the star, setting a phenomenal mark of 9.58s and overshadowing Powell, who took bronze.

There was frustration for Powell in 2010 as, despite his trademark blistering starts, he was regularly beaten by rivals Bolt and Tyson Gay and he experienced an up-and-down 2011, running repeatedly fast times but then having to withdraw from the 100m at the World Championships in Daegu just days beforehand due to a groin injury.

Determined to do his talent justice at the London 2012 Olympics Powell started the year well, performing impressively in the Diamond League series and making the 100m final in London. It was to be another disappointment for the Jamaican however, as he pulled up injured in the final with a groin problem that effectively cut short his season.

Career high
Anchoring the Jamaican 4x100m relay team to Olympic glory in 2008, when the quartet set a new world record.

Career low
Failing to claim a medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, finishing a disappointing fifth.

Quotes
"I am not running any slower than I used to run, so I am still here ... Asafa Powell is here to stay, I'm not going anywhere until I am retired." Asafa Powell, March 2011

"I can't imagine the times he's (Usain Bolt) capable of running at the moment. He's the man to beat right now but before it was me and if I can break another world record then I'll be the one back in the spotlight." Asafa Powell

Trivia
The name "Asafa" means "rising to the occasion".