(javelin)

This may be Steve Backley's last chance to gain the gold medal he so desperately desires.

The Loughborough University graduate has yet to win either a World or Olympic title and must be beginning to wonder if he ever will.

For much of last year's competition in Sydney, it looked as if Backley would finally end that unwanted record. He threw a magnificent 89.85m to break the Olympic record and was preparing to celebrate before his nemesis, the Czech Jan Zelezny, surpassed that mark in the final round, leaving Backley with his second Olympic silver.

The Cambridge Harrier also had the honour of becoming the first Briton to win medals at three Olympics, but that was small consolation for one of the sport's top men.

Away from the World Championships and Olympic Games, Backley has been able to prove his is number one. He is a former world record holder, his throw of 91.46m in 1992 being a previous world best. He is also a triple European champion, where Zelezny has been beaten.

Backley must be delighted with his form going into the championships, although generally he regards his performances so far this season as "all or nothing". At Crystal Palace he threw a magnificent 90.81m, his best effort since that world record in 1992.

One thing is for sure, few athletes will be more determined than Backley in Edmonton where he will once more be an athlete to follow.