World Track Championships
When: Saturday through
Aug. 18
Where: Moscow
Local ties: The 148-person U.S. roster has only one Minnesotan, discus thrower Liz Podominick of Lakeville. Gophers sprinter Alena Brooks will be competing for Trinidad & Tobago (1,600-meter relay). Ex-Gopher Barbora Spotakova, world record holder and two-time Olympic champion for the Czech Republic in the women's javelin, had a baby in May and will miss the event.
U.S. stars: The Americans have nine athletes defending their 2011 world titles: Jason Richardson (110 hurdles), Christian Taylor (triple jump), Jesse Williams (high jump), Dwight Phillips (long jump), Trey Hardee (decathlon), Carmelita Jeter (100), Jenny Simpson (1500), Lashinda Demus (400 hurdles) and Brittney Reese (long jump).
RACHEL BLOUNT
