When: today-Aug. 23 Where: Berlin

TV: Vs (see versus.com for schedule)

The stars: Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who set world records in the 100 and 200 meters at the Olympics last summer, leads a strong sprint field. Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, is trying for his fourth consecutive men's 10,000 meter victory.

American champs: Tyson Gay won the 100 and 200 at the last world championships in Osaka, Japan, in 2007, and Bernard Lagat won the 1,500 and 5,000. Other defending American men's champions are Jeremy Wariner (400), Kerron Clement (400 hurdles), Brad Walker (pole vault) and Reese Hoffa (shot put). Michelle Perry (100 hurdles) and Allyson Felix (200) won women's titles in 2007.

Minnesotans: Team USA Minnesota's Katie McGregor is in the women's 10,000 meters today (12:30 p.m. CST). Team USA Minnesota's Matt Gabrielson is in the men's marathon Aug. 22, and former Duluthian Kara Goucher is in the women's marathon Aug. 23.

Website: berlin.iaaf.org