Anthony Foster, Star Writer

Jamaica's Asafa Powell - ap

beijing:

Paul Doyle, manager of former world record holder Asafa Powell, has categorically denied that the athlete could see a fall-off in his earning potential any time soon.

According to Doyle, Powell still stands to benefit big on the circuit, well at least for now. It had been reported that Powell, who in May, lost his 9.74- second world-record tag to compatriot Usain Bolt (9.72), who also beat him for the Olympic 100m title on Saturday, is in trouble with regards to keeping his Nike contract and commanding big bucks on the IAAF circuit.

However, Doyle, while saying that he could not discuss Powell's Nike (shoe company) agreement as it is personal, said things on the circuit should be okay as all his engagements were already finalised before the Olympic Games.

"I can not comment on the Nike situation because all his contact has been kept confidential … Nike is still supporting him," was all Doyle revealed when asked if the shoe company will trim Powell's contact.

Ordinarily, top shoe companies go for the best athletes, as they look to get the most bang for their buck. It is not an uncommon occurrence for athletes who do not deliver the goods to have their contracts cut or trimmed.

This is Powell's, second attempt to win an Olympic medal, as he also failed at the last Games in Athens, Greece, finishing in fifth place on both occasions. Powell was also disappointed at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan, last year, as the then world record holder and favourite finished third behind American Tyson Gay and Bahamian Derrick Atkinson.

Despite this, as it relates to getting into big races and commanding big appearance fees, Doyle believes Powell will not have a problem.

"There is not going to be any problem in getting races that he wants, even appearance fees," said Doyle while hinting that his post Olympic agreements had already been agreed to.

"He is a very accomplished athlete, this is one meet, though they say you are as good as your last meet ... right now, he is not as good as he wants to be, but if he goes out there and runs 9.7 then he is right back up there," continued Doyle.

"Asafa Powell is still Asafa Powell, one of the world's fastest men, so he still going to be okay," Doyle concluded.