Dwight Thomas ... on the move after disappointing season. - File

WHILE Jamaica's females have been successful in the 100 metres hurdles event on the world stage, it is not the same story for the men in the 110 metres version of the event, as they are yet to finish in the top three at the Olympic Games or the World Championships.

When the World Championships get going in less than two weeks, one athlete is aiming to change that trend.

Former Calabar High School sprinter, Dwight Thomas is confident that he can medal in Berlin.

"I am very confident that I can finish in the top three in my event as I have beaten several medal contenders on the circuit this season," said Thomas in a recent interview from his base in Orlando where he works out with former United States ace sprinter Dennis Mitchell, who also coaches the United States' Damu Cherry.

Asked what makes him so confident about his medal chances he replied:

"I have shown a lot of improvement in the technical aspect of my race since the Jamaica National Championships and competing alongside most of the top athletes in Europe and being competitive has given me that confidence."

Not nervous

The 28-year-old Thomas, who finished second at the Paris Golden League meet with a personal best of 13.30 seconds and who is ranked number seven among the hurdlers who have qualified for Berlin, is not fazed by the occasion seeing that this will be his first Hurdles competition at this level in the event.

"I am not nervous because this is not my first occasions at these championships. I have represented the country many times at the Olympics and World Championships, so this environment is not strange," he said.

Of all the athletes who will be in this event, Thomas, who has represented the country in the 100 and 200 metres at this level, is undoubtedly the fastest over the flat 100 metres and thinks he can use his speed as an advantage.

Fastest out of the blocks

"Based on my reaction this season, I am the fastest out of the blocks and my aim is to be very aggressive to the first four hurdles and hopefully that momentum will take me through," said Thomas, who was a sluggish starter throughout his career in the 100 metres.

Thomas thinks that except for Robles, no one else is dominant in this event and medals are up for grabs, although he thinks Barbados Ryan Braithwaite could be dangerous.

"I have a lot of respect for my competitors but based on what I have seen and done on the circuit, I am very optimistic," he said.

He could be right, as despite Robles unbeaten run this season, he has not shown the same dominance that was present a season ago. This year, the elegant hurdler has failed to go under 13 seconds and most of his wins have come in tight finishes.

The United States David Payne, who won bronze two years ago and silver in Beijing last year, although being a big-day performer, could run out of luck this year based on his form.

His teammate Terrence Trammell has also been low key all season.

Maurice Wignall (right) moving away from Dwight Thomas (centre) and Richard Phillips to win the men's 110m hurdles title on the third and final day of the 2009 National Senior Championships at the National Stadium. Wignall's winning time was 13.48 seconds. Thomas was second in 13.50 and Phillips third in 13.61. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer