Edwards has won every title possible Profile: Jonathan Edwards

The 36-year-old triple jumper has won every possible medal in his illustrious career but the competitive fires which have kept him at the top for so long continue to burn brightly.

As another golden oldie, Colin Jackson, bows out of active competition this weekend, Edwards recognises that people will begin to wonder when he will bow out.

Academy: Edwards' jumping masterclass

"I was in Karlsruhe when Colin made his final appearance in a competition in Europe," said Edwards.

"I said, 'Colin, when you've gone, it'll make me feel even older.' People look at me and think, 'How did he do that?' But I think that it's my way of life.

Full Birmingham schedule

"I'm 36 years old. There is no pressure on me. I don't really feel I have a lot to lose. I have everything to win."

Despite winning two competitions this season, Edwards has not jumped well by his own standards.

But he hinted that the motivation required to bring the best out of him comes from competing against the world's best, such as Swede Christian Olsson Tim Rusan.

"It would have been nice to go into Birmingham with a couple of good performances behind me, but at my stage of life you need a little bit extra to bring the best out of you."

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In other news ahead of this weekend's event, Romania's sports authorities are investigating three athletes accused of faking their performances to meet the qualifying standard.

Romania are due to send a 14-strong team but Sports Ministry commission chief executive Cornel Barsanescu said the final list of athletes will only be submitted once the investigation has been completed.

"We want to clarify all aspects of this case, as well as the reasons which have led to such accusations," said Barsanescu.

The Romanian team is already struggling, with Olympic 5,000m champion Gabriela Szabo and European 400m hurdles winner Ionela Tirlea missing because of injury.