Bolt inspires Robles in hunt for world hurdles title

Cuban Dayron Robles will take inspiration from Usain Bolt's world record-breaking performance in the 100m when he takes to the track in his own discipline, the 110m hurdles.

In the absence of Athens Olympic gold medallist Liu Xiang of China, who is also defending world champion from Osaka 2007, Robles is firm favourite for a first-ever world outdoor title in the event for Cuba - Anier Garcia came close with two silver medals in 1999 and 2001.

But Robles, who won gold at the Beijing Games and is the current world record holder, has failed to fire on all cylinders this season and said that watching the Jamaican sprint king was a real boost.

"Bolt is a phenomenon. When I see Usain Bolt on the track you get very inspired to push your limits, run fast and aim for a new world record," Robles said on Monday, a day after Bolt shattered his own world record in running 9.58sec in the 100m final here.

The 22-year-old Guantanamo-born hurdler, who runs in silver-framed spectacles, admitted that he was ready to reverse his recent "poor" form which has seen him in winning mode but at relatively slow times.

"It's very important for me to try to go for the world title and get the full collection of titles. That's what every athlete works for," he said.

"It's been quite a difficult year for me. It's been tough, I've had a couple of injuries and it's been disappointing not to get under 13sec.

"But my preparations recently have been good and I think I can do it.

"I haven't had the competition to push me under 13sec. Last year was fantastic for me, preparation-wise and with the world record.

"But this year, everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. I've been winning my races but I haven't been at 100 percent."

Robles set the world record of 12.87sec in Ostrava last year but insisted that he did not feel under pressure despite being elevated to the rank of top sportsman in his home country.

"I don't feel any pressure. I come from a country of many sporting heroes and I know people talk about me in the same way as Sotomayor," he said in reference to Cuban high jumper Javier Sotomayor, a former double world and Olympic champion, whose 1988 best remains a world record holder.

"I have a lot of confidence in myself. I've always believed in myself, and as a child I always pushed myself - nothing's changed."

Robles added that his hero was former American hurdler Allen Johnson, a former four-time world champion and Olympic champion at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

"Allen Johnson was a fantastic athlete. He won everything in his career and the only thing lacking was the world record. But I take inspiration from his confidence and discipline.

"When I look in the mirror, that's who I want looking back. As a child it wa also Sotomayor. I want to see the reflection of those great heroes."

Turning to the 110m hurdles here, Robles said his biggest rivals would be the US team of Terrence Trammell and David Payne, who placed second and third in Osaka two years ago, and Aries Merritt.

"They always have a strong team. And it's no matter whether it's me or Liu Xiang, you always prepare for the Americans," he said.

"Terrence Trammell has always raced well against me, Merritt has come up through the junior ranks and done very well, as has David Payne. All three will be a threat."