Posted: January 17, 2006

Athletics: Track superstars Asafa Powell and Maria Mutola confirmed for Games

The world’s fastest man, Jamaican Asafa Powell, will be joined by Sydney Olympic 800m gold medallist Maria Mutola in a stellar athletic line-up for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

In what Games organisers are billing as ‘Magic Monday at the MCG’ – Monday March 20 – Asafa Powell has confirmed he will compete in the blue-ribbon men’s 100m event. People can also see him in action for as little as $20 in the heat of the 100m event on Sunday March 19 – ‘Super Sunday’.

Commonwealth Games Chairman Ron Walker said today he was delighted with confirmation the world’s fastest man would be at the Games.

Powell’s manager Paul Doyle today sought to clarify recent reports his star charge was in doubt for Melbourne: “The comments attributed to [Jamaican 400m runner] Sandie Richards in reference to Asafa are completely untrue,” Mr Doyle said.

Reigning 800m women’s Commonwealth champion and nine-time world champion Maria Mutola – arguably the world’s greatest 800m runner ever – today also confirmed her attendance in Melbourne. Her manager, Jeff Fund, said the Mozambique track star was due to touch down in Melbourne in the early hours of Tuesday 14 March – the day before the Opening Ceremony.

Powell set the world record over 100m last June, where he clocked 9.77 seconds. In addition to Powell, ticketholders are set to see five of the world’s fastest over the distance compete for gold.

Manager Paul Doyle said Powell was due to arrive in Melbourne on 28 February: “At this moment, Asafa plans on competing and winning the 100m in Melbourne as well as helping the Jamaican team’s quest for gold in the 4x100m,” he said.

”Asafa’s groin injury from 2005…has steadily improved through the winter. In particular over the course of the last six weeks Asafa’s groin has made tremendous improvements and his training has hit a new level. He is actually ahead of where he was last year at this time. Although we cannot say his groin is absolutely healed and at 100%, we do not foresee this as a problem come March.”

Mutola has dominated the 800m event over the past decade and her consistency and ability to compete at the highest levels of her sport has been unparalleled. She will compete from Wednesday 22-Friday 24 March.

Tickets for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games can be purchased on-line at www.melbourne2006.com.au, over the phone on 1300 00 2006, or at Ticketmaster outlets across Australia.

The Games will be a unique opportunity to witness 4500 elite athletes from 71 nations taking part in the XVIII Commonwealth Games to be held from 15-26 March 2006. For further information on the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games, go to www.melbourne2006.com.au.

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