Gardener enjoyed his best season since 1999 in 2005

At the 2002 Games in Manchester, the Bath athlete won sprint relay gold and was the best-placed English finisher in the 100m final, finishing sixth.

"I've been working really hard and I want to go in fantastic shape," said Gardener, ranked number one in Britain.

To win gold in Melbourne, he will have to beat reigning champion Kim Collins, who also won the world title in 2002.

Gardener, one of the best 60m sprinters in the world, will also take part in a full indoor season.

"I'm planning around six indoor races and there is the possibility I might compete at the World Indoors," he said.

"My first race will be in Moscow on 25 January, then I'll be racing in Glasgow."

Gardener was voted British male athlete of the year in 2005 after producing his best form since 1999, the year he dipped under the 10-second barrier.