“Honestly guys, if the support system don’t change, my kids not running for Jamaica. Sorry to say that, it’s just facts, you know what I mean? My wife is Canadian and Ghanaian so there are options,” Well, to put that into context, these words came from Asafa Powell, who has been one of the poster boys of Jamaican sprinting, alongside Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake. As expected, the comment didn’t end up well with the people, and he found himself in raging controversy. But amidst this, the Olympic gold medalist has found the support of a news reporter, who has something to say.

Dionne Jackson Miller, two-time Press Association of Jamaica Journalist of the Year, came forward in his defense. She said on her Youtube channel on 28th April, “The man is talking his truth. He’s sharing his thoughts about what he wants for his children’s future and that’s based on his lived experiences……All of us as parents, all of us want better for our children. Based on our own lives want our kids to do better and to have better opportunities. Everyone.”

Asafa Powell also talked candidly about the sacrifices he made. “I got just country pride and all that stuff. I’ve never gotten anything from the country,” he said, laying bare the emotions he’s carried all these years. The sprinting star, who once held the world record in the 100 meters, shared that he had run for free his entire career — a reality he doesn’t want his children to inherit.

He even revealed a striking moment from 2006, when he was offered millions of US dollars to switch allegiance to another country. But back then, out of sheer love for Jamaica, he turned it down. Looking back, Powell now wonders if that decision truly served him well. It’s not about regrets, he hints, it’s about lessons. A lesson he doesn’t want to ignore when thinking about his children’s future.

And Powell isn’t standing alone anymore. Another track and field legend has now come forward to share the sentiment.

Usain Bolt coach has his opinions too

Glen Mills, the man who famously coached Usain Bolt through his golden years, has now joined the conversation. In a YouTube video aired by Television Jamaica on April 25, Mills made it clear that he sees the need for a proper system to support athletes financially. “There needs to be a structure through which, um, athletes who qualify, um, are able to apply for some kind of grantorial,” he said, addressing a concern that has been floating around in Jamaican athletics circles for some time.

Mills pointed out that Jamaica’s track and field success hasn’t been matched with strong financial backing for its athletes. He believes governing bodies like the SDF need to come together to build a clear system. “We are not a very rich country; our resources are stretched and the expectations can be greater than what we can afford, but, um, I think that if we create a structure and an athlete can see what is available within this structure, it will, um, give them the option,” Mills said.

Taking it further, Mills touched on the marketing side of things too. According to him, “We have not done well in marketing our resources…” — a surprising statement given Jamaica’s global reputation for producing top sprinters and he suggests that better marketing could help attract funds and set up long-term programs.

Interestingly, Mills’ thoughts seem to echo those of Asafa Powell, who recently said, “No athlete wants to retire and go work 9-5 or sit down struggling and wondering what’s next. We all want to have a good life afterward; money should work for us when we retire.” Mills’ thought echoed a similar statement.