Asafa Powell ... looking to break through and win his first Games medal. - File photos

BEIJING, China (CMC)

A year ago at the World Championships in Osaka, Asafa Powell had the gold medal in his sights but surrendered his lead in the 100 metres and was caught by American Tyson Gay and Bahamian Derrick Atkins.

After watching the tape over and over, the Jamaican went back to the drawing board and worked on those specific weak areas. Powell now says he is confident if he gets in front, come the final, neither Gay nor countryman Usain Bolt will be able to chase him down.

"A lot of people are saying Usain and Tyson are very strong finishers but if I get out in front of them no matter how they are finishing, they won't even close on me," Powell told reporters.

"I did some great things in practice for the past couple of weeks. This is the first time I've seen my coach so excited. So all I have to do is go there and just be like I was in the last two races and I'll do it (win gold)."

Choker

Powell has earned the reputation as being a choker at the big meets and there are many, including Great Britain's Olympic gold medallist Jason Gardener and American legend Michael Johnson, who believe the former world record holder will have difficulties in winning the Olympic title.

However, the Commonwealth Games champion has won his last three races, including a confidence boosting victory over world record holder Bolt in Stockholm.

His winning time of 9.82 seconds was his quickest thus far this season, which sees him heading into the world-class showdown as the third best performer this campaign behind challengers Bolt (9.72) and Gay (9.77).