MUNICH, Germany -- His first loss at a major championship in three years left triple jump world record holder Jonathan Edwards disappointed but not discouraged.

The three-time defending champion surrendered his European triple jump crown Thursday night, finishing third behind Sweden's Christian Olsson and 1999 world champion Charles Friedek of Germany.

The defeat came just 11 days after Edwards became the fourth British athlete to complete the Grand Slam of major titles when he clinched the gold at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

"Yes, I admit, I'm disappointed,'' Edwards said. "Only the last jump was decent. The conditions were not good but I'm happy for Christian. He deserved the win.

"I lost the competition but it's not the end of the world.''

Still, at age 36, there is speculation about Edwards' future and whether he will defend his world title in Paris next year or his Olympic gold in Athens in 2004.

"I'm still no further (along) about announcing anything about my retirement,'' he Edwards said. "That can wait until the end of the season.

''(My) best days might have been in the past but being an athlete is an exciting life and I've often thought how lucky I am to have seen the world.''

Edwards bruised his heel during qualifying Tuesday and although the injury was not considered serious enough to prevent him from competing, he did not jump up to his standards.

Olsson, who took silver behind Edwards at last year's worlds, won with a leap of 57 feet, 6¼ inches. Edwards produced a whopping final jump but fouled on it, and settled for third place, just behind Friedek.

Olsson, a former high-jumper, had beaten Edwards before but never in a major championship. He was elated and did a little dance of delight following the competition, having finally outdistanced his longtime rival.

Edwards, who revolutionized the sport with his jumping style, marked the start of a new era in the triple jump at the 1995 Worlds in Sweden when he set the world record at 60 feet, ¼ inch.

Ever since, Olsson has led a string of young jumpers in pursuit of the British jumper. The Swede believes he is capable of going well past 60 feet. "Why not?'' he said.

"Jonathan was a nice fellow, congratulating me after the final with one word: 'Congratulations.'

"But that was enough for me.''

Edwards will next see Olsson and Friedek next Friday at the Weltklasse meet in Zurich, one of the three remaining Golden League events. He also plans to compete in the IAAF Grand Prix final and the World Cup final, plus a couple of domestic meets this season.

"I'll do all of these competitions as long as my legs can continue to carry me,'' Edwards said. "I've been jumping well all year. I got very close to (60 feet) in Manchester and I feel I can get in a big jump on my current form.''