Erik Kynard, of Toledo, OH, has proven himself to be the second best athlete in the world after grabbing the Silver Medal in the high jump competition in 2012 London Olympics.

But the 21-year-old Kansas State senior wishes he won the gold. Kynard took second after clearing 2.33 meters (7.64 feet). Russia’s Ivan Ukhov took gold after clearing 2.38 meters.

Kynard recently appeared on NBC Today Show where he was asked how it felt to win a silver medal.

Kynard’s response: “I feel like I should’ve won gold.”

“I put my best effort forward and that’s all I can ask for,” he said. “I’m going home with a little jewelry, but I wish it was gold.”

Kynard said he was “ready” for the Olympics and wasn’t “nervous.”

“Competing here, I felt I deserved to be here,” he said. “I’m competing amongst the best because I am one of the best.”

Watch Kynard’s interview on the Today Show