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Asafa Powell to race in Birmingham

Powell to race in Birmingham
© PA Photos
Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell reveals that he will race in Birmingham next year in preparation for the Olympic Games.

Former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell has confirmed that he will compete at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham in February.

The 29-year-old Jamaican, who has not competed indoors since 2004, has revealed that he will use the event as preparation for the Olympic Games in London.

"My coach and I have been speaking about the ideal preparation for next year's Olympics and we think doing an indoor season is the best move for me," he said. "I love competing indoors and to get the opportunity to race in Birmingham is really exciting.

"To prepare for a major championships you need to be racing against the best people in the world and I know that's what's in store at the Aviva Grand Prix.

"The calibre of athletes there has always been strong and if I'm going to be challenging for medals, I need to be racing against the best opposition all the way up until the Olympics. It's not long now until the Games, so every minute counts."

Powell has one Olympic gold medal to his name, which came in 2008 as part of the 4x100m Jamaican team.

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