US star Powell slams record rewrite plans
Print Edition
LONG jump world record-holder Mike Powell said plans to rewrite world records set before 2005 are “a slap in the face” and vowed yesterday to fight the move.
European Athletics has proposed that only world records that stand up to strict criteria should be recognized in order to make a clean break with the sport’s doping scandals.
American Powell, who jumped 8.95 meters in August 1991, said the proposals were “disrespectful, an injustice and a slap in the face”.
“I’ve already contacted my attorney,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “There are some records out there that are kind of questionable, I can see that, but mine is the real deal. It’s a story of human heart and guts, one of the greatest moments in the sport’s history.
“They would be destroying so many things with this decision, without thinking about it. It’s wrong. Regardless of what happens, I am going to fight,” the 53-year-old added.
Under the proposals, world records will only stand if set at approved international events and if the athletes concerned had undergone a certain number of doping tests prior to competing. The plans are due to be considered by world governing body the International Association of Athletics Federations in August.
Powell set his world record during a thrilling contest with his United States teammate Carl Lewis at the 1991 world championships in Tokyo. He broke Bob Beamon’s mark of 8.90 meters, which stood for 23 years.
However, British former Olympic gold medalist Darren Campbell says the proposal to rewrite the records would be for the “greater good”.
Former sprinter Campbell, who could lose his 4x100-meter European record from 1999, believes the proposal is worth the sacrifice.
“I will sacrifice whatever it takes to save the sport and give its credibility back,” he told BBC Radio 5 live.
“I’ve thought about it, put myself in their shoes of losing a record and yes, I’ve lost medals and you kind of go, ‘OK it’s for the greater good’. You have to accept it and move on.
“Records are there to be broken and some of those records can’t be broken unless you’re taking drugs.”
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