Samson Oni reckons his place in the GB team for next month’s IAAF World Indoor Championships was well justified after the excellent form he has shown so far this year.

The Brixton 28-year-old equalled his season’s best of 2.28m for the second time this month in the men’s high jump at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham last Saturday.

Russia’s world champion Yaroslav Rybakov won with 2.31m, while Oni’s British rival and local favourite Tom Parson came third, also with 2.28m.

Oni, who competes for Belgrave Harriers, was winner of the UK Championships in Sheffield two weeks ago.

He also achieved the required 2.28m World Indoor Championship qualifying mark in Val-de-Reuil, France, and Hustopece, Czech Republic, earlier this year.

Oni is now eager to improve on his personal best of 2.30m.

“It is definitely frustrated trying to get over 2.30m,” said Oni.

“Every time I get there I get a little too excited, but the more I attempt those heights, the sooner I am likely to get it.

“I thought that Saturday could have gone a bit better but, at the end of the day, I came second to the world champion and that is a great thing to do – whatever my performance.

“This year I am performing a lot better.

“I am the most consistent high jumper in this country so I have more than deserved my place in the World Championship team.”