By Ian Gordon, PA Sport, Gold Coast

British boxer Audley Harrison believes he is destined to be crowned Olympic champion in Sydney this month.

The super heavyweight is convinced his defeat in last year's World Championships, when he fully expected to strike gold, will be the spur he needs to triumph at the Millennium Games.

"The Olympics is something that I have set as a goal since I won the Commonwealth Games," said the 28-year-old Londoner who was victorious in Kuala Lumpur two years ago.

"The World Championships is something I would have liked to have grasped, but it wasn't on my agenda.

"But the Olympics is - the gold is something that I have wanted. I've dreamed about it and visualized it many times.

"I honestly believe that it is my destiny so I am going to the Olympics fully focused and I just can't wait for it."

Harrison, who confirmed he will turn professional after the Games, is seen as Britain's best chance of an Olympic title since Chris Finnegan struck middleweight gold in Mexico in 1968.

The Sports Studies and Leisure Management graduate from the University of Brunel is determined to atone for last year's defeat at the worlds in Texas when he fancied his chances of winning gold.

"I blame myself for that. No-one else really - just me not being focused or professional and believing the hype," admitted Harrison. "But I think not winning a medal at the worlds has done me a favour.

"I was not too far off last year, but I believe I am 30 to 40 per cent fitter, stronger and better than I was last year.

"I came fifth in the world championships last year and I only lost 4-3 to the guy who went on to win it.

"I know I have always had the talent but as you move up the rankings then you need to acquire experience and sometimes that means losing.

"I think it has done me a favour in terms of keeping my feet on the ground, keeping focused."