On the other hand, Kendricks kept low-key about the six-meter achievement he had in the US National Championships in Sacramento just one week ago.

"I say, 'I jumped six meters, so I am the most prepared'. I may eat my words," said the American rising star.

"How many times have you jumped six meters now?" he asked Lavillenie.

"17," responded the Frenchman.

"17 times, right? By my calculation, there are 17 times that he did better than I," commented Kendricks, while adding that he could gain confidence from the result.

"I knew that I could cross the bar approaching the championship very consistently. The important point about my competition in Sacramento was not that I jumped six meters, but that I jumped all the way through, so jumping in a consistent way really matters," he pointed out.

Qatar's high jumper Mutaz Barshim set the season best at 2.38m, and boasted the best five performances this year.

"Obviously, the main goal this season is the world championships in London, but it's not the only goal. This season I want to have a different and specific approach for every single competition," he said.

Elaine Thompson, the women's 100m and 200m winner in Rio, wanted to stay healthy en route to the worlds in August, also revealing her absence from the 200m event in London was her coach's decision.

Omar McLeod, men's 110m hurdles Olympic champion, was the title favorite, while keeping an eye on reigning world champion Sergey Shubenkov, who was given a green light by the world athletics governing body to participate as a neutral.

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