Asafa Powell - file

Former 100m World record holder Asafa Powell is keeping a cool head ahead of what is expected to be a hotly contested National Trials despite discussion in some circles that the sprinter may not finish in the top three.

Although there will be several interesting events, the men's 100m is bound to take centre-stage. Six athletes have gone under 10 seconds this season, with World and Olympic champion Usain Bolt, the other sub-10 second sprinter not competing as he is the defending champion in the event at the World championships and has a bye for the Daegu Championships. Only the top three will secure places to compete in the individual event and with competition so close that put's Powell under the microscope.

Powell once the country most revered athlete in the event, before Bolt, could be under pressure from a host of his countrymen, all hoping to be crowned national champion.

The list includes the likes of Steve Mullings, the world number two athlete in the event so far with 9.80 seconds, MVP athletes, Nesta Carter and Michael Frater along with budding young stars Yohan Blake and Nickel Ashmeade.

"I am in good shape to run at the trials as I have overcome the small injury I got two weeks ago at the Rabat meet in Morocco. I am going into the championships with the same mind frame as I have done in the past," said Powell.

Some fans have voiced their disappointment with Powell in the past in previous years as they think he has not given his best and may not make it this time around, but Powell the man with the most sub-10 seconds in the event remains confident.

"I am not running for those people and I do not care what they want to say. I am running for myself and I am the one who is out there competing, they are free to say what they want to say," he said.

The athlete has no other focus except the National Championships at this point.

"At this stage I am mentally and physically ready to compete and I am ready for the championships. My objective is just to win and then prepare for World Championships" continued Powell.

The sprinter also insisted he does not feel threatened by his colleagues who have been running fast all season.

"People will always focus on new people and I am happy for the other sprinters who are doing well. I am not threatened by anyone as this is what the sports is about."

"I am not the favourite in the event for trials but I will stay in the background and prove people wrong, I don't really have nothing to prove, but I will show them that Asafa is here to stay," he said.

" I will continue to do my best and for those fans who have always supported me, please come out in your numbers and do so once again. I will make you proud as I have done in the past," he said.