Powell hero at home

KINGSTON, Jamaica – World record holder Asafa Powell arrived to a hero’s welcome Wednesday when he returned to Jamaica.

Powell, who set the record in the 100 meters Tuesday, is confident that he can beat his mark of 9.77 seconds.

“I think that it can be lowered. The way I’m running this season, it’s given me a lot of confidence. I’ve run 9.8 every time I’ve been on the track,” said the 22 year-old Powell shortly after arriving at Norman Manley International Airport.

Powell, who was accompanied by his coach Stephen Francis, was met by government officials, including sports minister Portia Simpson Miller, and cheering supporters from his school, the University of Technology.

Powell broke the record at the Tsiklitiria Super Grand Prix meet in Athens, Greece. He beat the previous mark of 9.78 set three years ago by American Tim Montgomery.

Powell was one of the favorites to win the gold medal at the Olympics in Athens last summer but finished fifth in the final. He will next compete in Jamaica’s National Championships to select the country’s squad for the World Championships.