LJ, as proud a Tukkie as can be, came second in 48.18 sec, his fastest time of the year and missing out by a mere 0.02 of recording his best ever time (Phillips won in 48.09).

The progress LJ has shown only in the last weeks is proof that he will be a strong medal contender at the World Championships in August in the German capital of Berlin.

His performance in Athens places him joint fourth on the 2009 top list of performances in the 400 hurdles. The athlete sharing fourth place with LJ is Dutch.

Philips (48.05), Jackson (48.03) and Clement (48.09), the defending world champion, are the three athletes currently ahead of LJ and Dutch on the world list.

LJ’s coach Nico van Heerden told Sapa he was a very happy man.

"We have a few small things to work on but I am satisfied with the progress made and I am confident that we can expect something special from LJ. He has the determination and strong will to do well. He will surely make his presence felt," added Nico.

LJ’s next performance is on 25 July at the Super Grand Prix meeting in London.