Noted big-event performer Fabrice Lapierre has added another major medal to his collection, finishing second in the men's long jump at the world indoor athletics championships in the United States.
Lapierre's best jump of 8.25m bettered the Australian indoor record and was only 1cm shy of American Marquis Dendy's gold medal-winning effort of 8.26m.
The 32-year-old Lapierre shapes as one Australia's best gold medal chances at the Rio Olympics.
He has enjoyed a late-career resurgence after linking up with US master coach Dan Pfaff, who also oversaw Lapierre's silver-medal campaign at last year's world outdoor championships in Beijing.
"The goal for me was the gold medal, it's always been the same," he said.
"I thought I could have done that here, but this result makes me know that there is more to come this outdoor season.
"I just have to keep doing what I am doing and I am confident I can deliver a podium finish in Rio."
China's Changzhou Huang took third place with a jump of 8.21m.
Lapierre won the world indoor title back in 2010, the same year he claimed gold at the Delhi Commonwealth Games.
The Australian produced his biggest jump at the biennial world indoors in Portland, Oregon in the third round, moving him from 10th spot up to second.
"I'm feeling great," said Lapierre, who bettered the previous Australian indoor mark of 8.23m set by Henry Frayne in 2012.
"My first two jumps I didn't get it right on the runway, my approach was terrible actually, but my third one was great and I did what I needed to get another jump.
"I was pretty excited after that, knowing that I was in the mix for a medal."
Lapierre was the only member of the eight-strong Australian team to secure a podium finish in Portland.
The only other Australian in action on Sunday (Monday AEDT) was Brett Robinson, who clocked eight minutes 11.11 seconds to finish 11th in the men's 3000m final which was won by Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha in 7:57.21.
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