Only a medal will do for Johnson-Thompson

In 2013 Johnson-Thompson went to Russia as a youngster looking to add to her experiences at London 2012 at the World Championships.

But the last couple of years have seen a shift in the balance of power as Johnson-Thompson stepped into the void left by Jessica Ennis-Hill's absence and has established herself as the world's foremost heptathlete.

If any proof of her talent was needed then Johnson-Thompson has consistently delivered this season with a new British high jump record and pentathlon gold at the European Indoor Championships in Prague.

The 22-year-old will, however, miss this weekend's heptathlon event in Gotzis, Austria, with a knee problem but is determined to produce a consistent season with a triumphant crescendo in China.

"I feel ready now as an athlete to take on these challenges. I think I'll be disappointed if I don't come away with a medal," she told BBC Sport.

"I should be able to - not like when I was 19 just going for the experience.

"Last season I had such a good start winning Gotzis and then it fizzled out and I couldn't get to any major championships.

"So me and my coach want to take this year slowly. The World Championships are at the end of August so there's plenty of time.

"I'm fully recovered now. I'm back into full training and trying to get fit for Beijing. This year I've got to make that my main focus."

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