Gregson revealed he “didn’t feel great” in the race, but still stopped the clock in 3:34.56 to finish seventh and the first non-Kenyan runner behind Elijay Motonei Manangoi. The time was inside the world titles qualifying mark of 3:36.00, after a heavy training schedule at altitude at Mount Colorado in the US.

"I am happy to have run the standard. I didn’t feel great. The jet lag coming from California had more of an impact than I had expected," Gregson said after the race.

"But I am sure the race will advance my next period of training and help me be more competitive in my next race at the Prefontaine Classic."

The Bulli Australian 1500m record holder will return to the US for the Prefontaine Classic meet held on May 26-27. The world championships will be held in London in august next year, at the venue oft he 2012 Olympics, where Gregson made his Games debut. Gregson missed the final in London and finished ninth in Rio de Janeiro last year. 

His qualifying time came as fellow Illawarra athlete Madeline Heiner Hills booked her ticket to the world championships in the 10,000m. Hills was seventh across the line in 31:41.10, a personal best by more than a minute, after competing in the 3000m steeplechase and 5000m races in Brazil.

Gregson partner’s Genevieve LaCaze showed she is on the road to recovery after missing the Australian championships, making it to London in the 3000m steeplechase.