LAWRENCE - Bershawn "Batman" Jackson is on a mission today at the Kansas Relays.

That might seem a little odd, considering he ranks fifth in the world in the 400-meter hurdles. Usually stars at that level don't come to the Relays to prove anything, particularly during an Olympic year.

But after crashing into the final hurdle at the 2004 Olympic Trials and again at the 2007 World Championships, Jackson said, "I need to make a statement. I need to let everyone know I'm back."

This will be the first outdoor meet of the season for Jackson, who will compete in the 400 hurdles at Memorial Stadium at about 4:30 this afternoon. He is a three-time Relays champion and holds the meet mark at 48.34 seconds.

"I'm going to try for a world best," the 24-year-old Jackson said, well aware that the top mark in the world this year is 48.8. "But mostly I just want a good performance, to get off to a good start in preparing for the Olympic Trials. If I perform well, my time will be good enough."

In 2004, Jackson had the world's second fastest time and was the overwhelming favorite to win the Trials. And then he crashed into the final hurdle, finished fourth and failed to qualify for the Olympic team.