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Bolt rules out world record in Daegu

Usain Bolt is saving a world record run for London 2012 © Getty Images

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• Profile: Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt has ruled out a world record run at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, admitting he is putting all his focus on the gold medal.

Bolt recorded his staggering 9.58s 100m world record two years ago at the same Championships, and his presence in South Korea is prompting hope of a repeat. The Jamaican is training to peak at the London Olympics though, insisting he is not in the right shape to break his own landmark.

Far more crucial to Bolt is that he takes the first of two steps to becoming a legend of the sport. In the 25-year-old's eyes, defending a major title is more important than breaking records.

"This World Championships is going to be the first step to becoming a legend so it's very important," Bolt said. "You have to take the first step before you can take the second one which will be the Olympics.

"A lot of people have said that I'm a legend but I don't look at it like that at the moment. But in two years - I'm working on it. A lot of people have won championships, a lot of people have broken records, but few people have repeated that year in year out, especially in the sprints.

"It's really hard to win and to come back and win again, so for me it's really important to defend my title. It will take that amount of pressure, that amount of work to become a legend. I've set the standard for myself and I think that's what it's going to take."

Elaborating on hopes of bettering his 9.58s marker, Bolt confessed fans should not hold any expectations over the next week. Main rivals Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell are both missing, and Bolt admits his own form is not perfect.

"I'm not in tip-top shape, which I was when I was in Berlin," Bolt said. "The season for me is a comeback season from injury, I'm working really hard to get back to top shape.

"I don't think I'm in 9.5secs shape, but I'll be aiming to run fast."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.