IWAN Thomas cast aside the disappointment of crashing out of the 400 metres at the World Championships yesterday by vowing to become Olympic champion in 2004.

The 27-year-old from Netley, who took the sport by storm three years ago when he won European, World Cup and Commonwealth titles in the space of 53 days, is convinced he has not yet reached his peak.

Thomas has suffered two years of injury hell and qualified to compete here in a last-gasp race which he organised himself.

His build-up was not helped by a bruised Achilles, although he made it through to the semi-finals before crashing out with a disappointing run which saw him finish last in his heat in a time of 46.74 seconds.

He was joined on the sidelines by team-mate Mark Richardson, one of Britain's hopes for a medal here, who finished fourth in his semi-final.

Thomas remained upbeat, however, and promised he would bounce back in spectacular fashion.

"I am determined to come back," he said. "If I didn't think I could go to the Olympics in 2004 and win it I would not be doing this. I would give up and get a job in Boots.

"I know I can beat all these guys when I am fit. I am physically strong, but it is all about my confidence.

"In the past when I have run well, I have had a good winter training then gone out and posted a really good time early in the season. That would then give me the confidence to run well. But I haven't had a good time this year and that's what I need.

"I believe I have still to reach my peak and I am upbeat because I know that I can get back. I am going to stay positive and I won't give up until I have broken my British record.

"This can be a cruel and lonely sport and it is hard to come back after what I have been through, but I am the most determined individual I have ever met."

Richardson also found the one-lap discipline to be cruel and lonely, crashing out despite running a season's best time of 45.14 seconds.

The battling Brit has had a tough time recently after being hit with a drug suspension and then being reinstated. He was tipped as a medal hope but could not make it past the semis despite his encouraging time

Both men will be looking to bounce back and restore some pride when they team up to bid for a medal in the 4x400 metres relay.