Asafa Powell to receive UTech's 2011 Chancellor's Medal

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Former Prime minister and current chancellor at the University of Technology (UTech), Edward Seaga, yesterday announced that former world 100 metres record holder and the athlete with the most sub-10 seconds 100m times, Asafa Powell, will be the 2011 recipient of the university's Chancellor's Medal.

Powell, who will follow in the footsteps of his coach Stephen Francis - last year's awardee - has registered 74 times under 10 seconds over the 100m; the most by any athlete.

Seaga praised Powell for his perseverance over a career of rich accomplishments, and also shared that the presentation will be made next month at the launch of Dennis Johnson's book on UTech's sporting success, with 400m hurdles great and four-time world record holder Edwin Moses set to be in attendance.

Special athlete

"We feel that he (Asafa Powell) has made his mark despite the ups and downs in his career; that he has made a mark that will be indelible in the history of track and field," Seaga said during a function at Lillian's Restaurant, located at UTech.

"We feel we should not let that record pass without saying to Jamaica and the world that we honour him as a very special athlete," Seaga continued.

"I want to congratulate Asafa for his outstanding work and his perseverance," said Seaga. "Nothing in sports can be done without perseverance. You may accomplish something one or two times, but if you want to sustain what you have accomplished, you have to persevere."

Powell, who is looking to continue where he left off last season with the 2011 Diamond League 100m title firmly secured, was thankful for the recognition and described it as a source of motivation going forward.

"It's a great honour for me because at times us athletes need a bit of reassurance to show that people still appreciate what we are doing, and this is showing that all my good work over the years is appreciated, and I'm feeling very good about it," Powell responded.

The athlete had an up-and-down year, winning the Diamond League 100m title and being responsible for the second-fastest time over the distance over the year, with 9.78 seconds. He was, however, forced to sit out the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, after failing to recover in time from an injury.