Many thought Asafa Powell’s career might be winding down after he crossed the line in 10.22 seconds at Jamaican trials last week, well behind Usain Bolt and a host of young compatriots. But Powell said he had an off day, and is confident he can return to form in Ostrava on Thursday.

“I knew what happened at the Jamaican trials,” Powell told reporters in Ostrava Wednesday. “I am not worried about that. I didn’t run what I want to and expect from myself. I wasn’t race ready. It was not my day. A time of 9.99s, which was enough to qualify for the World Championships in Moscow, is like walking in a forest for me.”

Bolt won’t be at the race this week, nor will 2013’s two fastest men, Americans Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin. But Powell still faces an experienced field that includes Mike Rodgers – who already ran 9.96 this season – as well as veterans Kim Collins, Jimmy Vicaut, Dwain Chambers, and defending world junior champ Adam Gemili of Great Britain. And Powell knows running another 10.22 against that field won’t cut it:

“It is very important to run under 10s. If you cannot make it, you cannot be in the top group. That is also huge motivation for me. I am in good shape now, and I have always been running very fast in Ostrava.”