Powell, Carter chase Fasuba’s record

Olusoji Fasuba

Africa’s fastest man, Olusoji Fasuba, will have his record under threat when the Samsung Diamond League starts in Doha on May 11 as Jamaica names former world’s fastest man Asafa Powell and Nesta Carter in the team to compete for honours at the event.

Fasuba, surprised many athletics followers in 2006, when he broke Frankie Fredericks’ record of 9.86 to set a new African record of 9.85 in Doha, the fastest time in the competition. Fasuba is still well-known for his gold medal feat at the 2008 World Indoor Championships 60 metres sprint, clocking in a time of 6.51.

The closest finish to Fasuba’s Doha record was America’s Crawford Shawn who finished in 9.86 in 2004.

Powell, the former World record holder before Usain Bolt stormed in the athletics scene, ran 9.75 and 9.81 in Doha in 2010 but were aided by excessive winds, thus not eligible as records. Powell has a career best of 9.72 and Carter 9.78.

In a battle that may likely be between Jamaica and the USA, the latter named 2004 Olympic 100m gold medallist and recently crowned 60m World Indoor champion Justin Gatlin to lead the U.S charge.

Walter Dix, last year’s winner in the 200m and the Olympic bronze and World silver medallist in both 100m and 200m, will be looking to retain his 200m reign in Doha. The American, who ran a wind assisted 9.85 in the 100m last weekend, has been training with legendary coach John Smith.

All four sprinters feel strong enough this season to be capable of dethroning Usain Bolt at the London 2012 Olympics.