The casual fan is crucial to the financial success of the World Championships. The IAAF is not going to rake in big advertising money relying on the hard core track nut. It's the casual viewer they need, and these fair weather fans don't want to hear about injuries and missed trials opportunities. These folks want to turn on the television and see Michael Johnson, and now they will be able to do just that. Of course, this means that big name champions athletes can now bid syonnarra to the trials.
Most sports provide the world champions with the opportunity to defend their world titles.
Why not, indeed. So what can we expect to see in the world championships aside from Johnson, whose fitness is suspect by the way, and is not sure bet to win the 400 meters. He will not seek to double in the 200 like he did at the '95 Worlds and the '96 Olympics. Ato Bolden has been very sharp this year and is looking to establish himself on the top rung of the short sprint. Maurice Greene is a new name on the US scene, and could well medal if he runs his best race.