(long jump)

The long jump may not have the profile it once did in the days when Carl Lewis was competing (and blowing away the opposition), but that does not diminish Ivan Pedroso's achievements.

The Cuban has written his name into the record books over the past six years and in Edmonton he will be out to win his fourth consecutive world title.

That would arguably put him alongside the efforts of Lewis in the event, although the American did win two world titles and four Olympic golds.

Pedroso won the Olympic title in Sydney as he continued his recent dominance of the event - but it was a close call.

He trailed home hope Jai Taurima in the last round but then produced the jump of the day to win with 8.55m, 6cm ahead of his rival to prove his competitive nature.

This season's Pedroso has been absent from the top of the world's best list. His best effort outdoors is 8.18m and, on paper, he will face another tough test in Edmonton.

His greatest challenger looks to be Jamaica's James Beckford, who is the world leader this season with 8.41m.