Usain Bolt says he is fit and ready for the London Olympics and is convinced his defence of the 100 metres title could trigger one of the fastest of all time.
The 25-year-old Jamaican said he had been training well after a minor hamstring problem and reiterated his desire to become a "legend" of the sport by defending his 100m and 200m titles.
Concerns about the fitness of the biggest name in track and field arose when cameras were banned from his training sessions and he was pictured receiving treatment on his hamstring.
Bolt dismissed those concerns, saying a stiff back causing some problems for his hamstring had been fixed.
"I keep telling you guys, it's all about the championships, it's not about the trials, it's not about one run, every athlete knows this," the 100m and 200m world record holder.
"My coach determines whether we train in front of cameras or not, he doesn't like the cameras.
"I went and I trained, I had slight problems but nothing too serious, I got that fixed and I've been training great.
"I'm ready to go, I came into the camp today and felt that chill, that's a good vibe so I'm happy."
Bolt's aura of invincibility was dented earlier this month when he was beaten over both 100m and 200m by training partner and world champion Yohan Blake at the Jamaican trials.
"I wasn't in the best fitness but I was alright I can't complain," Bolt said. "I've been beaten already at the Olympics, Asafa (Powell) did that in '08 so it's always a wake-up call to get beaten in the season; better at the trials than at the Olympics.
"It opened my eyes, I sit down and rethink a few things. But for me it's just about getting it right on the day. I'm alright."
World champion Blake's time in the 100m at the trials, 9.75 seconds, was the fastest of the year but he is not the only challenger to Bolt's crown who has been in impressive form this season.
Justin Gatlin, the Athens Olympic champion, returned from a four-year doping ban to run 9.80 to win the U.S. trial while his compatriot Tyson Gay has also run under the 10 second barrier.
The man who has run under 10 seconds more than any other runner, former world record holder Powell, was alongside Bolt on the stage on Thursday and is also likely to be in the final on Aug. 5.
"Hands down, for sure, I'm thinking this could be one of the fastest 100 metres anyone has ever seen because these guys have been showing potential all season, a lot of guys have been running fast because it's an Olympic year," said Bolt.
Powell, who has admitted to having psychological problems when he races the likes of Bolt and Gay, said he was confident he would contribute fully to the occasion.
"Nine months I've been training for this so if I don't make the podium yes I'll be very disappointed," Powell said. "I'm working very hard and I know I have what it takes. It's just for me to go out there and just put it on the track and a lot of guys will eat my dust."
It was also announced Bolt would carry the flag for Jamaica in Friday's (July 27) opening ceremony.
"For me carrying the flag is an honour really," Bolt said. "For my country I will do anything because I love Jamaica, I couldn't live anywhere else so for me to carry the flag, to be on TV, to be singled out at the opening ceremony, it's kind of great and for me I'm happy and I'm looking forward to it tomorrow."
It is a special year for Jamaica as the nation celebrates 50 years of independence and Bolt cannot wait to wish his country a happy birthday.
"It's really a great moment to go out there and to win so I'm really focused I'm going out there to do my best," Bolt added. "I know it's going to be hard, I know it's going to be fierce competition but I'm looking for it.
"I always tell people I strive on competition because I love competing so I'm just looking forward to it and I'm looking forward to saying happy birthday to Jamaica also."
SNTV