By David Martin, PA Sport

Javelin ace Steve Backley has only two medals to show for six successive World Championship appearances.

Any other athlete might think that a fair return considering both had silver linings after his super performances in 1995 and again two years later.

But although Backley cherishes those returns from Gothenburg and Athens, he also knows he has produced some of his worst international displays in the bi-annual event.

The south Londoner, planning to retire after next year's Olympic Games, cannot understand why his form deserts him on the world stage.

It has not anywhere else where his three Olympic, four European and equal number of Commonwealth medals, are testimony to the ability of one of the world's greatest javelin throwers.

But there is no ducking the issue by Backley. After his Commonwealth and European Championship gold-medal-winning efforts last summer, he will again be expected to lead his younger colleagues by example in Paris.

Backley 34, surprised many when announcing earlier this year that Athens 2004, would be his last appearance in a British vest.

"As far as I'm concerned, there is this year's World Championships in Paris and next year's Olympics," said Backley.

"I'm just focused on those two competitions and if I have a harvest in Paris and a harvest in Athens and then don't compete again, I wouldn't be bothered."

There will be no laid-back approach from Backley despite his proposed future plans in his quest for even more glory in the Stade de France.

Indeed the zest he showed when winning against a world class field in last month's Gateshead Super Grand Prix, showed there is still plenty of zest in his massive frame.

The Tyneside meeting showed he has lost none of his enthusiasm for competition when throwing more than 80 metres on each occasion, his winning effort of 85.69m, proving a world-class winner.

Yet it was only Backley's second meeting of the season after having a loose piece of bone removed from his cartilage in the spring. Even he could not have wished for a better beginning.

After a long career beginning with his European Junior success in 1987, Backley admits he finds it difficult to approach the sport with the same enthusiasm which has made him successful since his teenage years.

Gateshead though, pleased Backley, although typically he played down his victory.

"I'm just taking it one step at a time," said the record four-times European champion.

But his competitiveness shone through. "I'm not even thinking about the World Championships," added Backley.

But after failing to reach the 2001 final which matched the disastrous day he suffered when bombing out at his first championships in Tokyo 12 years ago, there was a parting shot.

"It's a very open contest and I'm going to be in there with a chance," said the Commonwealth champion and record holder.