André Lowe, Special Projects Editor - Sports

BRUSSELS, Belgium:

After dominating the sport for much of the past two seasons, American sprinter Justin Gatlin was brought back to Earth with two tough losses to Jamaican star Usain Bolt at the recent IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.

Heading into Beijing, nobody had beaten Gatlin since his fourth-place finish in the 100 m at the 2013 AG Memorial Van Damme Diamond League. It was a run that stretched 31 races (100m and 200m) before he was beaten by Bolt in the 100m final at the World Championships.

Speaking ahead of today's final meet on the circuit, Gatlin said he has made an effort not to focus too much on the disappointment.

"I can't dwell on my past performances and I try to look at the next race," Gatlin told reporters here.

Without injuries

"After the championships, I was happy with my level of performance and that I came away without injuries. Of course, I did not race in Beijing the way that I used to. In the closing stages of my race I was leaning forward too much. I have to think more about executing my own race instead of competing against other athletes. It was a hard lesson, but I have learnt.''

Gatlin said he wants to take his performances to the next level next year when he hopes to better his 9.74 personal best mark.

"Age is not what determines your level of performance. It's all about how focused and motivated you can be. To me, it feels like this year is just a prelude to Rio. I will have to step my game up. This year I was consistent in running 9.7, next year I will need to do better," Gatlin said.