22 May 2001
'The Worlds' Come to Canada

Travel Alberta Canada

Edmonton, Alberta is hosting the eighth International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Championships, known as �The Worlds�, from 3- 12 August 2001. �The Worlds� is the third largest international sporting event behind the Summer Olympic Games and the soccer World Cup.

The city of Edmonton and its province Alberta holds a phenomenal track record in hosting successful international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games, World University Games, World Figure Skating Championships and World Cup Wrestling.

From the time �The Worlds� opens to the closing ceremony, 4 billion spectators worldwide will have tuned in to watch the 1800 elite athletes from 200 nations compete and perform in over 46 track and field events.

The IAAF Marathon will showcase the beauty of Edmonton to spectators worldwide. Competitors begin their journey at the Commonwealth Stadium, continuing past the North Saskatchewan River, running through downtown Edmonton westbound, via the beautiful River Valley and parks, before returning to the stadium for the finish line.

Edmonton is the perfect location for the IAAF World Championships. The city is equipped with world class sporting facilities, wonderful weather in August and that famous western hospitality, ensuring the world will be welcomed to Alberta!

Australia will be competing at �The Worlds�. Athletics Australia has announced a team of 33 athletes that will represent Australia and contest the championships.

The Australian Team consists of MEN: 100m Matt Shirvington 200m Patrick Johnson 5000m Craig Mottram 110m Hurdles Kyle Vander Kuyp 400m Hurdles Blair Young 20km Walk Nathan Deakes Pole Vault Dmitri Markov Long Jump Peter Burge, Jai Taurima Triple Jump Andrew Murphy Shot Put Justin Anlezark Hammer Throw Stuart Rendell 4x100m Relay Shirvington, Johnson, Adam Basil, Paul Di Bella and Steve Brimacombe Marathon Rod De Highden, Kim Gillard, Magnus Michelsson 1500m Wheelchair - Kurt Fearnley, Paul Nunnari 200m Below Knee Amputees - Neil Fuller, Stephen Wilson and Don Elgin

Women: 200m Lauren Hewitt 400m Nova Peris-Kneebone 800m Tamsyn Lewis 1500m Georgie Clarke 5000m Benita Willis 400m Hurdles Jana Pittman 20km Walk Kerry Saxby-Junna, Jane Saville Pole Vault Tatiana Grigorieva Hammer Throw Bronwyn Eagles, Karyne Di Marco Heptathlon Jane Jamieson Marathon Silvana Trampuz, Susan Michelsson 800m Wheelchair - Louise Sauvage 100m Arm Amputees - Amy Winters, Meaghan Starr

For free brochures, maps and information on Edmonton contact Travel Alberta on tel: (02) 9959 4277 or visit www.travelalberta.com.

**ENDS**

Prepared and distributed for Travel Alberta by Savage Communications. For more information contact: Fred Sparksman Travel Alberta Tel: 02 9959 4277

Justine Laundy Savage Communications Tel: 02 9959 3822