CAROLINA KLUFT, regarded by many as the world’s greatest athlete, will compete at the Norwich Union London Grand Prix next week.

The Olympic heptathlon champion will fine-tune her preparations for the World Championships later in the month by competing in a world-class 200m race at Crystal Palace on August 3.

The Swede lines up against reigning Olympic champion over the distance, Veronica Campbell, as well as last year’s European gold medallist Kim Gevaert of Belgium.

Kluft said: “I really enjoy competing in the UK, so the chance to line up against some of the best sprinters in the world can only help me as I look to reach the peak of my abilities in time for the World Championships.”

The Palace date will only be Kluft’s second major outdoor appearance in the UK, having finished fifth over 100m hurdles at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix in Sheffield earlier this month.

She had previously claimed both the World and European indoor pentathlon titles at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

The 24-year-old will be one of the major draws of the Crystal Palace meeting, which is traditionally the highlight of the British athletics season.

Tyson Gay, the fastest man in the world this year over 100m, is already confirmed on the start list along with world and Olympic 400m champion Jeremy Wariner and British world medal hopes Marlon Devonish and Nicola Sanders.

A handful of tickets for the meeting remain, available on 0870 402 8000 or online here.