... Powell says 100m title his once he can relax

Despite a slow start to the season, former world record holder, Asafa Powell, backs himself to claim the gold medal at this summer's London Olympic Games once he is fit and at his best.

The former sprint king holds the most sub-10 clockings for any sprinter, but has what many believe is a big hole in his résumé as he is yet to claim a major individual sprint title. Powell, however, believes London could be the meet at which he finally gets the crucial breakthrough.

"I know for sure, if I go out there and I do what I'm supposed to do, it will be very hard for anyone to catch me to the finish line because there's no doubt that I'm the best starter out there," Powell told Eurosport (eurosport.com).

"Many track and field people know that if I stay relaxed and run my race like I'm supposed to, I will be the winner at the Olympic Games. That is what I'm trying to do, and I know what to do."

the 29-year-old will certainly have his work cut out for him, however. Current world record holder and compatriot, Usain Bolt, has looked in impressive form so far this season, with rising sprint star and world champion Yohan Blake also expected to be a favourite for the London dash. additionally, to that Powell must also be wary of resurgent American, Justin Gatlin, with his compatriot, Tyson Gay, who is recovering from injury, also very much in the running. Gatlin, who recently returned from a four-year suspension, chased and caught Powell at the Diamond League opener in Doha last week.

With such a formidable line-up for the potential 100m clash, Powell must face another opponent, pressure on himself, which even he admits has been a major factor in his past failures.

"When you are out there with Usain or Tyson Gay, or any of those other guys who are running sub-9.90, you know that it's going to be close, and you know it's not going to be an easy race, and you have to pull out all your stops to win," he said.

"It takes a lot more focus. you have to remain a lot more relaxed and calm to win that race. It's pretty much the names. when you are out there with the bigger names, you feel a lot more pressure."

However, Powell says he has been focusing on finding ways to cope with the anxiety and expects it to pay off in London.

"I just want to give my best in London. I want to cross that line and see a personal best on the clock, then I will see what position I am in," he said.