Powell out to silence Greene

Just three years ago Jamaican Asafa Powell was spending most of his time on a football field and rarely stepped on to an athletics track.

But the 21-year-old has the potential to walk away from the Olympic Stadium with the 100 metres gold medal in his pocket on Sunday night if he can silence brash American Maurice Greene.

Forget world records. It is the prestigious Olympic 100 metres title that every sprinter craves.

Powell, disqualified in the quarter-finals of the world championships in Paris last year for false starts, is regarded as the favourite after beating defending champion Greene twice in succession in recent key meetings.

The big question when the heats start tomorrow is whether the inexperienced Jamaican will be able to handle the pressure of four races. There is a huge difference between winning a one-off on the Grand Prix circuit and two days of racing at a major championship.

Greene, who carries a "GOAT" tattoo on his arm which stands for "The Greatest of All-Time", has more experience in that department at the age of 30.

Interestingly the American believes Britain's sprinters could launch a challenge despite their lack of form.

Darren Campbell, Jason Gardener and Mark Lewis-Francis all failed to make the 100 final at the London Grand Prix at Crystal Palace last month.