Retired track superstar, Asafa Powell, has branded several Jamaicans as ‘ungrateful’ for not recognizing the ‘privilege’ they enjoy for having the world class sprinters remain living in the country.
Powell was speaking on Fast Lane Lifestyle – a podcast on his YouTube channel – with guest, Elaine Thompson-Herah.
In a wide ranging conversation Thompson-Herah agreed with the former world record holder that Jamaicans abuse the ‘privilege’ of the athletes living in Jamaica.
The ‘Sub-10 King’ has focused on other ventures outside of track, including the podcast with his wife Alyshia.
Having spent many years in the public’s glare, the Olympic relay gold medallist says Jamaicans don’t respect his celebrity. Thompson-Herah says the top level athletes aren’t in the ‘regular class’ of people.
Powell and Thompson-Herah says they’re in an impossible situation where they’re criticised if they acknowledge fans or not. Powell says other international superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo are treated with much more reverence.
They bemoan being dehumanised by those who don’t see work done off the track.
Thompson-Herah also hit back at those who criticise her for partying, which she says she does to decompress after a gruelling season.
She says she competed last season injured so that she’d have been able to secure targets set in the new contract she signed with Puma after leaving Nike.
The 30-year-old says she regrets not listening to her body more last season.
Elaine Thompson-Herah.
The Fast Lane Lifestyle podcast with guest Elaine Thompson-Herah was posted on YouTube on December 27.
