Allyson Felix’s attempts to secure a memorable 200m/400m double at the IAAf World Championships will start on the opening day in the heats of the longer event.
The American sprinter is the defending 200m champion but has set her sights on snaring two gold medals at Daegu, South Korea, to place herself in the history books.
“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way,” read a quote from Babe Ruth posted by Felix on her Twitter page on Friday.
The 25-year-old told reporters: “It’s going to be pretty gruelling, but I’m excited about it.”
But Felix acknowledged that the 400m would be the hardest event, notably up against compatriot Sanya Richards-Ross.
The reigning 400m world champion put months of strife aside in storming to victory at the London Diamond League earlier this month in an impressive 49.66sec.
The Jamaican trio of Rosemarie Whyte, Novlene Williams-Mills and 2009 Berlin worlds silver medallist Shericka Williams will also be in the running for the 400m podium along with Botswana’s Amantle Montsho.
After Saturday’s heats, the semi-finals of the women’s 400m are run on Sunday, with the final scheduled for 1205 GMT a day later.
“Everyone wants to win, that’s what championships are all about, it’s about putting out your best on the day,” said Felix.
“Everyone is anxious, they want to get out there and lay it all down.”
She added: “It will be an extremely difficult task. It’s a challenging schedule, I’m not the world lead in the events, it’s going to be tough. But it’s a learning experience, and no matter what happens, I’ll take away something for next year.”
Felix also admitted to feeling nervous, with her training having been tapered off after some intense sessions under coach Bob Kersee back in the United States following a short Diamond League season.
“I’m in territory I’m not too familiar with, so I’m definitely a little nervous, but that’s what happens when you step up to a new challenge,” she said.
“It (the 400m) hurts, it’s not the most pleasant event, but the more I run it the more used to it you become.
“It’s all about executing and doing the exact things I need to, that’s what I visualise.
“Executing all the way through the first 200m and coming home strong. That’s my goal and now I’ve got to put it together.
“I’m not focused on times, it’s a championships so it’s all about winning.”
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