CARSON, United States (CMC):

American sprint ace, Tyson Gay, says despite Usain Bolt's awesome form, he was firmly focused on running fast times in the upcoming season.

Gay lost badly to Bolt at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York City last year when the tall Jamaican clocked 9.72 seconds in a world-record performance.

"His (Bolt) Olympic race was almost as perfect as you can say, besides him not running through the finish line, but I really have to focus on myself," Gay said.

"I really have to prepare to run extremely hard and work on my start and be more consistent."

While Bolt achieved a significant amount of success last year, Gay stressed they both had to start fresh for the World Championships in Berlin.

"What Bolt did last year was in last year and what I did last year was last year, so I'm really looking forward to moving on and running a lot faster than I did," Gay pointed out.

After being humbled on a wet track in New York last May, Gay, whose wind-aided 9.68 at the US trials is the fastest in any conditions, was hoping to avenge his defeat at the Olympics before an injured hamstring in the 200 metres at the trials set him back.

He recovered enough to race at the Games, but was clearly not race sharp, which led to him failing to make the 100 metres finals. Now entering a new season, the American says he was hoping both he and Bolt would be fully fit for the World Championships.

"That's what everyone is looking forward to seeing, I mean, the fans, Jamaica, USA, everyone wants to see it man. I want to see it as well," an optimistic Gay said.