The Monaco Diamond League 1500 metres event.

It was here the Albion Park junior would have the chance to take on the sport's elite, a crucial test ahead of the trip to Tokyo.

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With three races under his belt, including a superb mile eight days before, Edwards entered in high spirits.

The 23-year-old ran a personal best time. It was the sixth fastest by an Australian all-time. But he was still disappointed with the run.

Edwards' Australian rival Stewart McSweyn was well clear, the Tasmanian setting a national record in finishing fourth.

"While I ran a PB, it wasn't my best run," Edwards said. "It is a bit frustrating, I had an opportunity to run quicker and it didn't quite go to plan.

"It's not often I run a PB and I am disappointed with the race, but it was the hardest race I've ever done and a great test before Tokyo. That's what I've got to do, put myself up against the best in the world.

"I look back to that mile race and guys I crossed the line with ran quicker in Monaco, so I know I can do it.

"To be exposed to that before the Olympics, it gives me a lot of confidence I can run quicker if I can get it right."

Edwards' path to Tokyo has not been smooth, with his athletics career seemingly over before it had even begun three years ago.

The former Warilla High School student burst on to the track and field scene in 2017, coming desperately close to being the youngest Australian to break the four-minute mile barrier.

His progress came to a sudden and grinding halt soon after, crippling Achilles pain leaving Edwards unable to run.

Eventually he was diagnosed with Haglund's syndrome and surgery was the runner's only option to return to the track.

The operation was a success, allowing Edwards to reprise a career his parents feared was over.

"We were thinking he may never achieve his goal of running for his country," father Derek Edwards said. "From Olympics to Commonwealth Games, we thought he'd never make it, that injuries would prevent him.

"What he's been through, I don't think many athletes would have kept going, they would have quit the sport."

Since recovering from surgery, Edwards has adapted his training to reach his potential while ensuring he stays injury free.

As a result, his weekly schedule looks considerably different to his rivals, the 23-year-old doing a fraction of the volume of the likes of McSweyn.

Edwards' recent results indicate the methods have worked and he will travel to Tokyo determined to make an impact on the world stage.

"I'd love to make the final, that's the big goal," Edwards said. "With three rounds, if I can have more than one race and get to the semi-final, I'll be satisfied but the goal is to make the final.

"For me, as long as I can go out there, give it everything and produce a performance I'm proud of, there's not much more I can do."