American Lashawn Merritt training at the National Stadium yesterday. - Ricardo Makyn

SHAYNE FAIRMAN, STAR Writer

LaShawn Merritt, the United States of America's 400m gold medalist from Beijing 2008, is promising a stellar performance when he touches the track at the Jamaica International Invitational (JII) Meet, inside the National Stadium this evening.

"Definitely a season's best, I've only run once this year," he noted.

"I am feeling a lot more confident going into this race, to run way better than I did then. so, it should be good tomorrow (today)."

Merritt describes Jamaica as one of his favourite places to compete, but maintains his eyes are on the prize.

"To come to Jamaica is one of my favourite events and favourite competition. The plan is just to come out and execute and win the race. but, the main focus this year is the world championships," he underlined.

He described every participant as a potential threat and won't be taking anyone lightly.

"I won't overlook anybody. The plan is to just go out and execute the race that my coach and I put together, and hope for the best result," he warned.