By Mike Burnett

I'm not going there to compete, I'm going there to win Simon Jackson

Simon Jackson might already boast three gold medals, but the judo star still has plenty to prove at his fifth Paralympics in Athens.

The 32-year-old is itching to get back on top after having to settle for bronze at Sydney 2000.

Jackson told BBC Sport: "When Mike Tyson lost his air of invincibility, he wasn't the same fighter.

"But I've still got that air of invincibility, even though I'm not the defending champion."

Having claimed gold in Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta, the Rochdale-based athlete saw his 12-year winning streak come to an end in Sydney.

He was narrowly beaten in the semi-finals of the 81kg division by eventual gold medallist Isao Rafael Cruz Alonso of Cuba - his first defeat in 163 bouts.

SIMON JACKSON FACTFILE Born: 28 May 1972 Lives: Rochdale, Lancashire Occupation: Judo player Category: B2 visually-impaired Event: 73kg Paralympics: Gold 1988, 1992, 1996. Bronze 2000 World titles: 1990, 1995, 1998 European titles: 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001

It was a bitter blow, but Jackson, who competes in the B2 visually-impaired category, now believes it helped prolong his career.

"At the time I wanted to throw the bronze medal off Sydney Harbour Bridge, but looking back on it now I'm so glad I didn't," he said.

"At the time, it was the worst event of my life, but I have got over it to a degree. I don't think I would be here if I had won in Sydney - I would've retired."

In fact, not only is Jackson back for more in Athens, he believes his experience in Sydney has aided his chances of success.

Jackson, who has dropped down to the 73kg weight division, bounced back with his eighth European gold in 2001 and claimed silvers at the 2002 and 2003 World Championships.

When you've won gold, there's only one way to go and that's down Simon Jackson

"People thought I was going to pale into insignificance after Sydney, but I won a European championship, two world silvers and am still within the top two or three in the world, which is good," he said.

Jackson won the British Open in April, and triumphed at the German Open and Lithuanian Open, to boost his confidence ahead of the Games.

Fighting fit and battle-hardened, the Briton believes he is in a better position than before to claim his fourth Paralympic gold.

"I'm in a different situation this time," he said.

"In the previous three Games I won the gold medal and building up to Sydney I was the defending champion, but now I'm not.

"Actually, that's a bit better for me really. I won a bronze in Sydney, so anything like a bronze or above in Athens is a step up the ladder again.

"When you've won gold, there's only one way to go and that's down. At least I've got somewhere to go up now.

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not going there to compete, I'm going there to win. But I'm winning a medal - what colour will be decided on the day."