)
Asafa Powell has sparked fresh debate over his thoughts on 'demanding' Jamaican fans, admitting more mixed feelings weeks after lending Kishane Thompson advice on how to handle pressure they bring.
Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell has reignited discussions about the nation's passionate track and field fanbase, offering a nuanced perspective weeks after advising rising star Kishane Thompson on handling their high expectations.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Powell had earlier advised the 23-year-old Thompson to prioritize self-focus during races, rather than being consumed by the weight of fans’ expectations. He emphasized the need for a strong mental game, especially when competing against elite sprinters like Noah Lyles, Fred Kerley, and Letsile Tebogo.
Powell explained that while Jamaican fans love their athletes when they succeed, their support can waver during tough times.
"Jamaica is not a country to carry on your back. These people are very, very hard on the athletes. They love you to death, but they are tough," Powell stated. "You need to focus on yourself, be yourself, be selfish.”
)
08:02 - 24.11.2024
They view track & field as their holy grail’- Kishane Thompson agrees with Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell on how demanding Jamaican fans are
Weeks after Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt described Jamaican fans as being very demanding, the latest Jamaican sprint king has now echoed their sentiments, agreeing with the two legends over how demanding the fans are.
Bolt supports Powell’s view
Legendary sprinter Usain Bolt echoed Powell’s sentiments, recalling his own challenges with the demanding Jamaican audience. Speaking on The High Performance Podcast, Bolt shared how early in his career, public opinion often shifted based on his performances.
“If you did well, they would be like ‘Oh yeah!’ and if you did bad, they would be like ‘Boo!’” he remarked. Bolt admitted he initially felt obligated to meet Jamaica’s expectations, but over time realized the importance of prioritizing his own goals.
“It took me a while to figure out that I have to do this for myself first,” Bolt reflected, adding that this mindset allowed him to thrive in his record-breaking career.
)
17:00 - 14.10.2024
'Jamaicans are very hard on athletes'- Asafa Powell on what Kishane Thompson should do to experience his full potential
Asafa Powell advised Kishane Thompson on the key things he has to focus on to perform at the level of champions like Noah Lyles.
Powell’s new perspective
In a recent vlog episode, Powell revealed a more mixed outlook on Jamaican fans. After traveling to Miami, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he receives from Jamaicans abroad.
“Anytime I land in an airport anywhere in the US, there are always some Jamaicans who just grab me and carry me to the front of the line,” he said. “Jamaicans are always taking care of me whenever I go anywhere—Miami, New York. Sometimes I feel I am the greatest Jamaican to ever live because of you.”
Despite this, Powell acknowledged feeling underappreciated at times, particularly when he reflects on how fans can turn against athletes during difficult moments.
)
20:42 - 29.10.2024
'I did it for myself first' - Usain Bolt agrees with Asafa Powell's advice to Kishane Thompson on the 'demanding' nature of Jamaican fans
Usain Bolt has agreed with Asafa Powell on the nature of Jamaican fans after the latter recently offered advice to Kishane Thompson on why he should not feel oblidged to carry the country his t back.
“Sometimes I feel depressed that I do not get the support, but there are other times I feel I am the greatest Jamaican to ever live because of you,” he concluded.
Powell’s comments have sparked mixed reactions, with fans and analysts like the outspoken Oral Tracey weighing in. While some agree with Powell’s critique of Jamaican fandom’s intensity, others see his reflections as a celebration of the unique passion Jamaicans have for their athletes.
For now, Powell’s advice to Thompson underscores a key lesson for emerging talents: success on the global stage requires both mental toughness and an ability to balance personal goals with national pride.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)