The big three: Edwards gives his verdict on who will leap to triple jump glory

By Jonathan Edwards

Published: 17:43 EST, 6 August 2012 | Updated: 20:25 EST, 6 August 2012

Triple jump world record-holder and Sydney 2000 gold medallist Jonathan Edwards gives his verdict on the athletes to watch in London this week as the competition gets underway on Tuesday.

PHILLIPS IDOWU GB, Age: 33 (PB 17.81m)

He’s a Hackney boy — for it to be a home Games in his backyard his motivation couldn’t be higher. And I think he’s ready to cope with it. He saw the silver medal in Beijing as a disappointment because he felt he should have won. Since then he’s been superb in championship competitions — always produced his best. The other contenders are all young, so the advantage Phillips has  is experience.

CHRISTIAN TAYLOR USA, 22 (PB 17.96m)

The best of them. His jump of 17.96 metres at the World Championships in Daegu last year was one of the best jumps I’ve seen for years. It was his control through the phases that struck me. You felt like he could do that again and again. But he looked so controlled through his phases with great speed; he’s a great, natural athlete. He’s really in control of his technique.

WILLIAM CLAYE USA, 21 (PB 17.70m)

He is the least known of the three but he’s won the World Indoor Championships in Istanbul last year and won bronze in Daegu. He’s really talented. I don’t think he’s as solid as Taylor. He’s an outside bet for gold but again he’s capable of jumping a long way. It will be one of the toughest events to win gold in London.