THE EDITOR, Sir:

AM I disappointed? Of course, I am, but not at the fact that Asafa Powell lost, but how he lost.

I watched the race with great anticipation and was deflated after the event. I saw a man who all the way through the rounds and up until the gun went for the final had done everything right. Even his pre-race demeanour suggested confidence and calmness. However, after the gun went and he did not have his usual explosive start, that is when he went into 'default mode' and Asafa obviously had no contingency in place.

I heard his post-race interview with TVJ's Patrick Anderson, when he humbly and honestly admitted he panicked. I am no psychologist, but that in my opinion is the response of a naive warrior.

You do not, in battle or after, admit to your opponents that you cracked or, as Asafa mentioned in the interview, "panicked". Call it honesty if you must, but that is vital information only your internal camp should know.

Although, much to my chagrin, let's give credit where it is due. Tyson Gay put everything together inthat race, mentally and physically, and he was superior on the day.

If we were able to take the emotion out of it, the form was there staring us in the face. Gay had the better form coming into the race and the result disappointing to Jamaicans, was, as the pundits will tell you, 'true to form'.

However, let's look forward to the Olympics and hope Asafa can get it together mentally. If he does, he will be unbeatable.

Keep the faith and continue working. We are still proud of you.

I am, etc.,

CARL CHANG

carlchangjm@yahoo.com