Tyrone Smith, the Bermuda long jumper, has no doubt in his mind that he will successfully defend his Central American and Caribbean Games gold medal in Veracuz, Mexico.

Smith captured gold at the CAC Games four years ago in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, with a personal best leap of 8.22 metres to set a national record, a feat that he credits as a “life-changing experience”.

With the Games being held so late in the year, Smith admits that he is not in the same peak condition as he was in Puerto Rico, when he became the first Bermudian to win gold at the CAC Games since Clarance “Nicky” Saunders, who won the high jump at the 1987 Games in Caracas, Venezuela.

The 30-year-old, however, remains steadfast in his belief that he will finish his slightly disappointing season on a golden note in Veracruz.

“I never had any doubt that I wouldn’t win in 2010 and that’s exactly how I feel this year,” said Smith, who finished eighth at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a jump of 7.79.

“I’m going there to win and come back with another gold medal for Bermuda.

“In 2010 the Games were held in the peak of the season and my body was in the best possible shape it could be.

“I’m in slightly different physical condition this time; I’ve got a lot more strength but not as much speed, so it will be interesting to see how I do.

“It’s been a bit of a down season for me and I’ve not jumped at this point of my training before.

“Hopefully I can jump over 7.90 metres — that’s the goal.” Smith, a two-times Olympian, still cherishes the memory of his gold medal triumph of four years ago, a performance that resulted in him being called up to the Americas Cup squad of the 2010 IAAF Continental Cup.

“Winning in Puerto Rico was a huge day,” said Smith, whose previous competition was in Brussels, Belgium, on September 6.

“I remember telling my girlfriend at the time about how my life could change if I won. I knew it would mean big things for me.

“That performance vaulted me into the top-ten in the world and I have great memories of those Games.

“I had the picture blown up and printed in my house with me standing in front of the standard with the 8.22 on it.

“I knew I was going to win and it was just a matter of how much I would win by.”

Smith, who is sponsored by Bermuda Healthcare Service and Tokio Millennium Re, is expecting a slightly watered down men’s long jump event in Veracruz, with many athletes already turning their attentions to preparing for next year’s World Championships in Beijing.

“Because it’s such an off time of the season, I don’t think some of the other top guys will be there,” said Smith, whose personal best still stands at 8.22.

“I decided to make this trip because it’s definitely important for Bermuda and it’s important to retain that title.

“The Bermuda Olympic Association have supported me so much in my career and this is a chance for me to give back.

“It’s not ideal but it’s the right thing to do.

“I’m always happy to represent Bermuda.”

Smith will be competing in Veracruz this weekend.