Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

World 100m record holder Asafa Powell (right), Olympic sprint relay gold medallist Sherone Simpson, and their coach Stephen Francis, pose with plaques presented to them by the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association at an appreciation luncheon at the Hilton Kingston yesterday. - photo by Anthony Foster

The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) yesterday honoured the world's fastest sprint pair of 2006, Asafa Powell and Sherone Simpson, along with their coach Stephen Francis, at an appreciation luncheon at the Hilton Kingston hotel in Kingston.

Powell, who equalled his own world 100m record of 9.77 seconds twice this season, and Simpson, who ended the year as the fastest woman over the 100m and 200m, logged some sensational runs this year.

Both were guided by Francis, who was nominated for Coach of the Year by the IAAF.

All three were presented with plaques, Powell by JAAA president Howard Aris, while JAAA first vice-president Grace Jackson handed Francis his award and Garth Gayle, the JAAA secretary, presented Simpson with her award at the luncheon which was attended by several Olympians and sports administrators.

Powell was also presented with an IAAF plaque for equalling the world record of 9.77 seconds for the second time on August 18, by legendary Olympian Herb McKenley.

Aris hailed the two sprinters, along with others, for sustaining the tradition of Jamaica's sprinting, which he said was started by Norman Manley and Herb McKenley.

Sustained performances

"We have been able to sustain these performances over the years," he said while making it clear that many countries' standards have dropped while Jamaicans have managed to maintain theirs.

Regarding the world record, Aris said Powell is continuing the work which McKenley, who once held five world records at the same time, started in 1948.

"Asafa, you are maintaining the standard," Aris said.

He continued: "Today we must rejoice and pay tribute to these two athletes and their coach."

While making it clear that he hopes this form of recognition for track and field participants continues, Powell in his reply said: "I hope you have some plan for next year because we are going to give our best next year ... anything nice, we have to do it twice.

"We are (a) small country, but we big abroad," he joked.

Simpson also thanked the JAAA and promised they will continue to do their best.

"Thank you, JAAA, for showing Asafa, coach Francis and me that our hard work has been appreciated," she said.

Meanwhile, the outspoken Francis said this was something he has argued for over the years and expressed appreciation for the JAAA's tribute.

"I am happy for this award," he said, dedicating it to other coaches.

"This is really, really appreciated," he said while recognising McKenley, national track and field head coach Glen Mills and Dennis Johnson, a former Olympian and national coach, as the persons who taught him the art of coaching.

Feedback: anthony.foster@gleanerjm.com.