The world's top athletes are flocking to Korea to compete in the 13th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, which will be held in Daegu from Aug. 27 to Sep. 4.
The 100-m world record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica arrived on Tuesday and has already begun training, while star athletes of the United States, the world's strongest country on the track, started flowing into the southeastern city this week.
On Wednesday, 23 American athletes including 2004 Athens Games gold medalist Justin Gatlin, 2009 decathlon world champion Trey Hardee, and current world No.1 at the decathlon Ashton Eaton arrived at Daegu.
Another 27 competitors representing the Stars and Stripes are due to join them on Thursday. Big names such as Carmelita Jeter, the world's top-rated 100 m sprinter, and six-time world champion Allyson Felix, who will challenge in both the 200 m and 400 m, were among the most high-profile.
Sprinter Michael Rodgers has also reached the city, even though he may be ineligible to participate in this year's World Championships. Rodgers tested positive for a banned stimulant in Lignano, Italy, where the U.S. team had a relay training camp last month.
USA Track and Field is scheduled to hold a hearing that will decide his eligibility on Thursday.
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