Former world record holder Asafa Powell has thrown cold water on the idea of his children donning the Jamaican colours on the track, as he declared that unless the country’s athletic support system sees significant improvements, his kids will not be representing the island.

Powell made the comments in a recent social media post, following the circulation of a video showing his young son winning a school sports day race — a clip that reignited excitement among Jamaicans about a potential next-generation star.

But the sprinter, dubbed the “Sub-10 King” for his dominance in the 100m, tempered the expectations about the country banking on another Powell to contribute to the nation’s track legacy.

"Honestly, guys, if the support system doesn’t change, my kids not running for Jamaica,” Powell said bluntly.

"I’m sorry to say that …but it’s just facts. My wife is Canadian and Ghanaian, so there are options," he added.

Powell did not hold back in voicing his long-standing concerns about the lack of proper backing for Jamaican athletes, an issue many local stars have echoed for years, even as the country has dominated global sprinting.

He went a step further to reveal that back in 2006, early in his career, he was offered millions of US dollars to compete for another country, a deal he turned down out of national pride and hope for a better future with Jamaica.

"I didn’t know what the future holds, but if I knew then what I know now, I would have taken up that opportunity," Powell declared.

Powell’s comments have reopened the conversation around athlete welfare, infrastructure, and long-term support in Jamaican track and field, which has produced some of the most decorated sprinters in history.