ANDRé LOWE, Special Projects Editor - Sports

DOHA, Qatar:

One eye on taking the first strides to another dominant season and the other on a certain Jamaican superstar.

Justin Gatlin's triumphant return to the top of the sprinting pile has brought him some amount of favour in a community, which is not quite sure whether or not it is to accept him with open arms back into the fold.

After an unbeaten run on the circuit last season and some pretty explosive showings at the IAAF World Relays, Gatlin returns to Doha, looking to extend his streak and build up a sweat ahead of a potential clash with Usain Bolt later on this season.

In 2006, Gatlin equaled Asafa Powell's then 100m World Record of 9.77 seconds here in Doha - that is extremely unlikely to happen at today's IAAF Diamond League opener in the Qatari capital.

That performance in 2006 has since been annulled after testing positive for a banned substance, but the American admits to still thinking fondly of that mark.

"I always think about the world record and that is why Doha is such a special place for me. I am the same animal, different beast," Gatlin said in the build-up to his first 100m race of the season.

Gatlin will face fellow American Mike Rodgers, Kim Collins, Keston Bledman, , Brit James Dasaolu, local boy Femi Ogunode, and Jamaican Nesta Carter.

"Running against (Usain) Bolt would be a great race to have, but I don't see why we can't meet each other before the World Championships," said Gatlin.

"I am ready for this season. I think that last year was the blueprint for me to go and get ready for this season. I want to focus this year and target certain races," he added.