‘Shocked’ Powell vows to return
Asafa Powell emphasised his desire to return to athletics as he spoke for the first time about his failed drug test.
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The Jamaican sprinter, the former 100 metres world record holder, tested positive for the banned stimulant oxilofrine at the national trials in June.
The 30-year-old is now waiting for the result of his B sample, which may yet clear his name, as athletics tries to recover from one of its biggest drug scandals.
“I have never thought about it (retiring),” Powell was quoted by the Jamaican Gleaner as telling a media conference in Kingston.
“I was just shocked by the news. I have been thinking a lot but never once thought about giving up.
“I am still training. I consider this an off year, but I am still working hard, training, going to the gym almost every day.
“It's very unfortunate that I will not be going to the World Championships, but there is a lot more to go.
“There is a World Championships in two years' time again and then the Olympics. So there is a lot to look forward to.”
Sherone Simpson, a three-time Olympic medallist and a member of Powell's MVP training group, also tested positive for the same stimulant.
The pair's manager, Paul Doyle, has pointed the finger of blame at their trainer, Canadian Chris Xuereb, who only began working with the sprinters in May.
Xeureb, though, issued a robust statement denying he was responsible and claiming he was being made a scapegoat.
Source: Sportinglife