Team USA will boast eight reigning champions in its ranks when the World Championships get under way in Berlin on August 15.

The US bid will be headed up by sprint ace Tyson Gay, who will be looking to defend his 100m and 200m titles from the challenge of Jamaica's Usain Bolt, who dominated both events with world-record performances at the Olympics in Beijing last year.

Bernard Lagat will be looking to defend two world titles having become the first man ever to achieve the 1500m and 5000m World Championship double in Osaka two years ago.

Allyson Felix chases a third successive 200m title, and given her current form - she blasted to a world leader of 21.88 seconds last weekend in Stockholm - is the firm favourite to achieve that goal.

Jeremy Wariner (400m), Keron Clement (400m hurdles), Michelle Perry (100m hurdles), Brad Walker (pole vault) and Reese Hoffa (shot) will also be seeking to defend to gold medals from Osaka.

It will be an emotional return for Team USA to Berlin, the first occasion it has contested a major international championship there since the 1936 Olympics, when the legendary Jesse Owens won gold in the 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay and long jump.

"These World Championships are special to us for many reasons," said USATF chief executive officer Doug Logan.

"It is Team USA's chance to come back strong in the post-Olympic year, and it is an opportunity to honor the incredible legacy of the great Jesse Owens.

"We feel our team roster will represent the United States well on both counts."