his flagging high-jumping career in time for the Olympic Games in Barcelona.

The 1990 Commonwealth Games gold medallist has had little to cheer about since that historic moment when he soared to a new Commonwealth record of seven feet eight-and-a-half inches.

During the interim, Saunders has had to battle against ankle and knee problems, which have hampered his performances.

Loss of confidence and changes to his training regimen also contributed to the downturn.

"I'm going back to the old work-outs that I was doing prior to the Commonwealth Games and the last Olympics,'' said Saunders following a training session at the National Stadium earlier this week. "After the Commonwealth Games I said that I could break the world record -- and still think I can -- but what I did was try to change everything and it led to the point where my confidence was down because things were not familiar. Now it's coming back. I realise what I need to do and I want it really bad!'' Back to 100 percent after a year and a half or relative inactivity, Saunders wants to get himself back in the right frame of mind necessary to be able to jump successfully at the top level.

Said Saunders: "Physically I'm fine. My health is good.

"My mental attitude is coming, but obviously I'm not as confident as I used to be because I haven't been jumping as high as I used to.'' When asked whether he had reached a cross-roads in his career the 28-year-old laughed before stressing that he still has a lot to offer and is not about to throw in the towel just yet.

"My inner feeling is that there is a lot more to do. I feel within myself that my potential has not yet been fully recognised and I will not quit until I know that I can't do it any more.

"I'm only 28 years old. That's not old...it's not a death sentence.'' However the four-time Athlete of the Year said that the fear factor still remains buried deep inside and he will have to battle through it in order to regain his former prominence.

"There is a little fear after having the injuries from the past and trying to get back...it's never completely gone away.'' "But I can't afford to say that I'm afraid. I have to get out there and do what I have to do.'' Saunders is set to jet off to the United States next week but will return in a few weeks to resume training with Bermuda national track and field coach Gerry Swan, who has guided him over the years.

Said Saunders: "You need to work with someone who really knows you. You realise that there is something that got you to the point where you're at and it means a lot to be able to come back and start it over.

"It's a new beginning to an old story.'' Coach Swan, working with Saunders for the first time since December, noted that his technique had improved since his last visit to the Island.

"It is mainly the take-off where the problems lie and we are trying to establish a better, more consistent rhythm in his approach,'' said Swan as he oversaw several of the junior athletes going through their paces. "The key is to make all of the important things at take-off that should happen actually happen.'' Swan harboured no doubts that his prized pupil could once again consolidate his position as one of the world's best.

The coach added: "Clarance has proven himself time and time again.

"He is a competitor and I know if I see Clarance do certain things in training...that usually translates to a couple of inches higher in competition.'' Triple-jumper Brian Wellman, another potential medallist for Bermuda at the Summer Games, recently suffered another setback in his injury-plagued season as he had to spend six weeks in a back brace after sustaining a few minor fractures in his lower back.

The main vertebrae were not affected but rather the small projections that protrude from the spine.

Wellman has been able to resume training. In fact, he made two jumps last week at a track meet in order to qualify for the NCAA Outdoor Championships and pronounced himself fit afterwards.

BURNING DESIRE -- High jump ace Clarance (Nicky) Saunders, pictured with natioanl coach Gerry Swan, is keen to recaptute the form that catapulted him to the top in Auckland, New Zealand, two years ago.