BARCELONA -- The international team with which sprinter Troy Douglas travelled around Europe is chiefly responsible for his relaxed state of mind as he prepares for his second Olympic Games.

Douglas, who will take to the Estari Olympic track in the 400 metres first-round heats on August 1, is in the best form of his career ahead of a major games.

He established a personal best of 45.54 while setting a Canadian all-comers record at a meet in Victoria, British Columbia, in May and has since come across to Europe and maintained his form.

The international team, which also includes Bermudian high jumper Clarance (Nicky) Saunders, is comprised of athletes from the islands in and around the Caribbean. The others are David Patrick, Richard Graham, Juliet Cuthbert, Raymond Stewart, and Merlene Ottey, who will be a strong contender for the sprint double in the women's 100 and 200 metres.

As they have no major sponsors, they have become self-reliant and pool their resources to get to the important meets they need in order to prepare for something like the Olympics.

"Everybody is feeding off everybody, there are so many positive vibes going around,'' said Douglas. "After the first day with the group, you just feel like you can conquer anything.'' The 28-year-old only raced once in Europe but it was a quality performance against a field, which would do the Olympic 400 metres final proud.

American trials winner Quincy Watts won the race in 45.60 with top-ranked Briton Roger Black second in 45.63, American Andrew Valmon third (45.75), world champion Antonio Pettigrew fourth (46.20) and Douglas fifth in 46.78.

"That was good enough for the conditions. It was very windy in the back stretch, almost five miles per hour,'' said Douglas.

After that meet, Douglas went to Spain and spent two days at a training camp in Guadalajara.

"Everything's been going great. I have been patient down there and I've run a personal record in every work-out I've had all season.

"My mental game has gotten stronger and my physical game, which has always been strong, has gotten stronger and I'm just ready to race. I just stay in my own little world and do what I've got to do. I feel good, I'm happy, I'm confident, relaxed and just ready to race.

"All the hard work has been done. We did all the hard work all season and did the final work in Guadalajara. I've proven everything I need to do, mentally and physically. I just have to stay focussed and recently I've been doing a good job at that.'' TROY DOUGLAS -- In relaxed mood going into his second Olympics.