Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
World 100m record holder Asafa Powell (left) collects from Robert Gregory, president of the Rotary Club of St Andrew, the Vocational Service Award for 2004-2005. This award is presented annually to an outstanding Jamaican who has done well in a vocation. - PHOTO BY ANTHONY FOSTER
WORLD 100 METRE record holder Asafa Powell was yesterday honoured by the Rotary Club of Saint Andrew at its weekly meeting at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Powell, who became the world's fastest man on June 14 when he eased to an impressive 9.77 seconds clocking in Athens' Olympic Stadium to break American Tim Montgomery's two-year-old mark of 9.78, was presented with the Vocational Service Award for 2005-2006 by Rotary Club of St Andrew president Robert Gregory.
In reading the citation, Gregory disclosed all of Powell's accomplishments throughout his career, which included from when he started at Charlemont High to when he broke the record in Greece.
He also read from the citation that in the blocks before the start of every race, Powell repeats: "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength."
HIGH STANDARD
Gregory said the Vocational Service Award was an important means of encouraging vocational excellence and practice of high ethical standards.
"This award is given to individuals who have exemplified excellence in their chosen vocation, while maintaining the highest ethical standard," he said.
"World record holder Asafa Powell meets and exceeds these standards," Gregory said.
Powell said he was excited to receive the honour.
"It feels good and, as someone said, 'When is it going to stop?' Right now I am working hard to let it continue and to make my country and everybody proud of me," he said.
