which get underway in less than three weeks' time, is continuing to struggle for form.

But the good news is...so are his rivals.

Wellman finished third behind two Brits, including his close friend, world record holder Jonathan Edwards at the BUPA meet in Gateshead, England yesterday.

Under conditions made difficult by a swirling wind both jumpers performed well below their best.

Edwards took first place with a leap 17.02 metres, a long way short of his world record leap of 18.29 metres achieved at the World Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, last August.

And Wellman, who took the silver medal at those championships with a jump of 17.62, could manage a best of only 16.56.

Sandwiched between he and Edwards was another Brit, Francis Agyepong who jumped 16.67.

Wellman's best jump, while good enough for third place, represented one of his poorest efforts in more than year.

Throughout 1995 he competed in close to 20 major events, rarely recording less than 17 metres. In fact, his shortest last year was 16.66 metres.

But Edwards' winning jump yesterday was also his shortest of an unbeaten run which stretches back to the beginning of last season.

"It may look rubbish,'' said Edwards at a press conference later. "And a few weeks ago I may have been worried. But the conditions were difficult.'' Both Wellman and Edwards are expected to compete in at least two more international events before the Olympics open on July 19.