BAKU, Azerbaijan - It has been five years since the most magical day in the wrestling career of Dremiel Byers.

The day Byers captured a World title in Greco-Roman wrestling in 2002.

Byers hasn't won a World medal since. He was stuck behind Olympic and World champion Rulon Gardner in 2003 and 2004.

And Byers was unable to win a medal at the World level when he made it back onto the U.S. Greco-Roman Team in 2005 and 2006.

Byers is determined to jump back onto the medal platform this year when he competes at the World Championships at 120 kg/264.5 lbs. on Wednesday in Baku, Azerbaijan.

"When I won the World title, I was on and everything I was doing was working," Byers said after practice Saturday morning in Baku. "I know I can do it and I've been there before. I just have to find my way back to the top."

Byers lost a controversial match to Turkey's Ismael Guzel in the second round of the 2006 World Championships where a questionable call went against Byers. If Byers wins that match, the U.S. likely wins the team title. Instead, the American squad tied its best-ever finish at the Worlds by taking third.

"That match, I still wear that loss," Byers said. "It still bugs the crap out of me, but I have an opportunity to come back from it and I plan to take advantage of it."

Byers (Colorado Springs, Colo./U.S. Army) is one of the favorites in a strong heavyweight class at the Worlds. He placed second to past World champion Mijial Lopez of Cuba at the Pan American Games in July.

Byers was upset by U.S. Army teammate Tim Taylor at the U.S. Nationals in April. Byers came back to place third in that event and the loss seems to have lit a fire under the powerful, athletic heavyweight.

"I think Dremiel was a little embarrassed about losing that match," USA Wrestling National Greco-Roman Coach Steve Fraser said. "It was kind of a wake-up call that people aren't just going to lay down for him. He's got to take it to every single person he wrestles. I'm proud of him in how determined he's been. When he prepares properly like he has for this tournament, I don't think anybody can touch him. He's very skilled and very talented."

Byers rolled to the U.S. World Team Trials title in June. He now is in position to win another World title.

Byers, who celebrated his 33rd birthday four days ago, is hoping to recapture the magic of that special day in 2002.

"Dremiel has a strong desire to win a gold medal this year and he is very capable of doing it," Fraser said. "If he takes each match one at a time and focuses on the tactics he needs to do and wrestles his style, I don't think anybody in the World can stay with him. He's a phenomenal athlete and I think he's been preparing very hard and very seriously for this competition."

Byers is part of a veteran and strong U.S. team that includes World bronze medalists Lindsey Durlacher (55 kg/121 lbs.), Harry Lester (66 kg/145.5 lbs.) and Justin Ruiz (96 kg/211.5 lbs.) along with past fifth-place World finishers T.C. Dantzler (74 kg/163 lbs.) and Brad Vering (84 kg/185 lbs.). Newcomer Joe Betterman (60 kg/132 lbs.) has replaced 2006 World champion Joe Warren on the American squad.

"You can't replace a Joe Warren - they broke the mold with that guy," Byers said. "It's unfortunate, the things that have happened with him, but he's still part of this team and we love that guy. Joe Warren showed his commitment to this team by training with us and helping guys get ready for this competition. Joe's still very much a part of our team."

Byers said he hasn't spoken with Gardner - his close friend and past rival and training partner - in recent months. But he said he expects to hear from Gardner sometime before he competes next week. Gardner retired after winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics.

"He'll call at the right time - there's probably a message on my phone right now from Rulon," Byers said with a laugh. "He always tells me, 'You can do it, you can do it.' He believes in me and supports me."

Byers also is one of the leaders on the U.S. team. He drew praise from coaches and teammates for taking on a leadership role during the Pan American Games when the team overcame losing Warren and dealt with numerous travel issues on their way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"He's a World champion and he's a real good friend to all the guys on our team," Dantzler said. "He's a great leader and when Dremiel says something you usually take it all in. Dremiel has picked up the pace with his training and he has given himself the best possible chance to get it done this year. To be a World champion and not have a medal since has really been wearing on him. He's ready to get it done, that's for sure."

Fraser said Byers has been "very valuable" as a team leader.

"Dremiel leads by example and a lot of guys really look up to him," Fraser said. "I can't say enough about what he's done as a leader and he did a great job for us down in Rio. He's meant a lot to our team."

Byers worked out Saturday morning in the practice area that is adjacent to the arena where the competition will be held in Baku.

"I'm just fine-tuning everything right now, focusing on my weight and polishing up some of the things I plan on using to score," he said. "I want to be sharp and I don't want to make any mistakes. I want to take full advantage of this opportunity. I want to get out there and make it happen. I feel like I'm in great shape and I'm ready to go."