Asafa wants to win it for his parents, a couple whose life was enveloped by gloom when two of their sons died recently - Michael was shot, Vaughan suffered a cardiac arrest - and Asafa is keen that he wins to keep them happy. Unlike a few of his other countrymen, he didn't choose to shift to the USA, saying he preferred to be close to family. He admits that Gatlin is the physically stronger man, but feels that his speed will win the day.

And, of course, being a Jamaican, despite not having too much of an interest in the game, he can't not talk about cricket. "I used to be a fast bowler till when I was in school but didn't do much after that. I know Courtney Walsh very well and go to his restaurant pretty often. It's a tough game, you know. But very slow." Speed freak that he is, Asafa quickly gets into his Mercedes and shows his mettle, disappearing through the long driveway in what appears like a few milliseconds.