Anthony Foster, Star Writer

Jamaica's Asafa Powell and Michael Frater (left) after the men's 100-metre final on Saturday. - AP

BEIJING

Donovan Bailey, Atlanta Olympic champion and former 100m world-record holder, believes Asafa Powell can only gain from Usain Bolt's victory on Saturday night.

Bolt destroyed a strong 100m field, which included Powell, a former world-record holder, to win the Olympic title in a new world record of 9.69 seconds.

Powell, had been favoured to at least medal in the event, although both he and his coach Stephen Francis had predicted victory.

However, following an uncharacteristically slow start, the sprinter was fifth in 9.95, a below par performance, which equalled his placing at the last Olympic games in Athens, Greece. At the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, Powell had also faced disappointment. Headed into the event as world-record holder, the Jamaican finished third behind American Tyson Gay and Bahamian Derrick Atkins.

However, putting those statistics aside, Bailey believed a comeback could still be on the cards for Powell.

"I think he will recover. He will bounce back and do some good things," Bailey said.

Asked if he believed Saturday's result could damage Powell's career, Bailey responded.

"I don't think so", although admitting that his answer was based on optimism.

"Asafa will probably gain from Usain's win. There is no pressure on him, so he can get out and run 9.8 every day, and 9.6," added Bailey.

In Saturday night's final, Powell had no answer to Bolt's destructive top end speed and was left for dead.

Afterwards Powell admitted to being tired and told reporters his legs were dead.

"I don't know exactly what happened, but this was a massive atmosphere and it was a great opportunity for Asafa to get up and do some good things," Bailey added.