It is likely to be the biggest personal rivalry of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. When Usain Bolt tries to secure an unprecedented 'triple-triple' – retaining the 100m, 200m and 4x100m crowns he won at Beijing 2008 and London 2012 – one man is expected to stand in his way. However, whatever the rest of the world thinks, Justin Gatlin is adamant that he does not see it that way.

“For me, this is not about me versus Bolt,” the American said. “This is Gatlin versus Gatlin. I’m my own audience. And as long as I perform to my best ability, I’m OK with the results.”

Gatlin, who won 100m gold at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the 2005 world championships in Helsinki, seemed destined to overhaul Bolt at last year's world championships in Beijing. But although the US sprinter had posted considerably faster times all year and Bolt was returning from injury, the Jamaican superstar won both the 100m and 200m ahead of Gatlin. It took Bolt's tally of world titles to three in the 100m and four in the 200m.

Bolt (right) edges home ahead of Gatlin (left) in the 100m final in Beijing last year (Photo: Getty Images/Michael Steele)

The difference was just one hundredth of a second in the 100m in Beijing, but asked what stands between him and Bolt in closing this gap, Gatlin continued to avoid comparisons. “What stands between me and Bolt is my focus,” he said.

Asked if he felt unlucky to be competing in the era of a superstar like Bolt, a man who always seems to rise to big occasions, Gatlin reamined defiant. “No misfortune, I have my gold medals,” he said. “I'm me and I won't be out shined.”

Gatlin is in Rio de Janeiro for the first time this weekend to take part in the Mano a Mano exhibition event, which will take place on a track mounted over a pond in the Quinta da Boa Vista park on Saturday and Sunday (4-5 June). Last year's event was staged at the Rio Jockey Club while the previous two editions were held alongside Copacabana beach. The star of the 2013, 2004 and 2015 editions? A certain Mr Bolt.

Sub-10-second target

While getting a taste of the Olympic host city is as important as the race itself for Gatlin, he said he plans to run under 10 seconds this weekend. “I'm excited to come to Brazil for the first time, I can't wait to meet the fans,” he said. “It feels like a good warm-up and initiation into the magic that Rio will have during the Olympics.”

Gatlin, 34, has twice been banned for doping offences and is often portrayed as the bad guy of his sport. He said the impressive times he is achieving late in his career are partly down to the fact that he had some enforced time away from the sport. “I was always a great sprinter as proven by my gold medals,” he said. “The time off just allowed my body to rest. I’m younger physically than my age for a sprinter due to the time away.”

But could he have gone faster had his career not been interrupted by the bans? “I can’t dwell on what could have been. I’m here today, running as fast as God will allow me to run. I’m happy with that.”

Bolt and Gatlin wait to receive their 200m medals in Beijing last year (Photo: Getty Images/Michael Steele)

Gatlin will race on Sunday against Trinidad & Tobago's Richard Thompson and Brazilian José Carlos Gomes Moreira, while his compatriot Carmelita Jeter, who won 100m silver at London 2012, will headline the women's event. Brazilian Alan Fonteles Oliveira, who stunned the Olympic Stadium at London 2012 by beating Oscar Pistorius in the T43/44 200m final, will be the main attraction in the Paralympic race.

Gatlin was speaking to organisers of the Mano a Mano event, who shared the responses.