Ryon Jones, STAR Writer

Jamaica's male sprinters have been dominating their traditional rivals the United States of America in recent times at major championships, with the Olympics, World Indoor and Outdoor 100m titles all being held concurrently by Jamaicans.

Double Olympic champion Usain Bolt is, however, not taking solace in that fact, as he believes it is a cycle. Right now, Bolt says he is instead focused on what he needs to do to keep himself on top.

"I don't worry about one direct competitor, because over the years I have learnt that many persons come and go," Bolt told Star Sports, following yesterday's press conference, which launched Gatorade's new advertising campaign at Usain Bolt's Tracks and Records.

good crop

"At times the crop will go down, but I think over time other athletes will come up. Tyson (Gay) said he will be fit this season, so I am looking forward to him coming back; he is a great competitor and I look forward to competing with him each year. (Yohan)Blake is here and there are a lot of young guys coming up, so regardless it is going to be a good crop over the 100m," he added.

Bolt, who holds world records in the 100m (9.58) and 200m (19.19) was not always a sprint darling in the public eye, and was criticised following failures in his first two outings at major championships. That, however, places him in a position to understand the criticism that compatriot Asafa Powell is facing based on his failure to so far strike gold at a major championship.

"I think Asafa (Powell) learnt over the years that it (love from fans) comes and it goes depending on what is going on," Bolt said.

pressure

"As athletes we do get injured, because we put our body through so much pressure just to run as fast as we can. I want people to continue to support us, because we are definitely working hard to make the country proud," he added.

There was speculation that the three-time Olympic gold medallist was injured following a later than usual start to his season. He, however, alleviated all such fears by posting his fastest ever season opening time over the 100m, 9.82 seconds, at Saturday's Jamaica International Invitational.

"It is always good to start on a positive note. I have been working hard this season on a few things and it is all coming together, so I am happy for myself," Bolt said.

"I have been explaining to people that coach (Glen Mills) decides where and when I run. He decided that I was going to start later this season, so I started later and it worked out better, so that's good," he added.

ryon.jones@gleanerjm.com.