He claimed third spot in a star-studded field.

His time of 48,37 is his fastest of the year and even quicker than what he clocked for the Olympic fifth place in Beijing last year.

LJ said, from the Italian capital, he is very satisfied with his progress since the SA Championships.

“I am all together a better athlete than a month ago. I have found more rhythm and the fact that I compete against the best of the best on a regular basis raises the stakes for me as well,” said LJ.

He paid tribute to his coach, Nico van Heerden.

“His emphasis on speed is now kicking in and I am reaping the fruits,” added LJ.

He is still to take part in meetings in Athens (Monday, 13 July at 20:30), London and Monaco before his medal onslaught at the World Championships.

“For now I would like not say too much on my medal chances in Berlin. Things are going great, however, and my next immediate aim is to break the 48 seconds mark,” said LJ.