06.08.2009

SBS to broadcast world championships live from Berlin

Australian athletics fans are in for 10 days of non-stop track and field action as the 12th IAAF world championships are broadcast live from August 15 on SBS ONE and SBS TWO. 

SBS will broadcast live daily coverage from Berlin as Australia takes on the world’s best at the 12th edition of the world track and field titles. Coverage on SBS ONE and SBS TWO will be accompanied by highlights and live results at sbs.com.au/sport through to the conclusion of competition on August 24 (AEST).

Not since the Beijing Olympics has the calibre of Australian athletes been so high and in 2009 strong medal contenders will include Sally McLellan (100m hurdles), Steve Hooker (pole vault), Mitchell Watt and Fabrice Lapierre (long jump), Dani Samuels (discus throw), Luke Adams, Adam Rutter and Jared Tallent (20km walk), Adams, Tallent and Chris Erickson (50km walk) and the men's 4x400m relay team of Joel Milburn, John Steffensen, Tristan Thomas, Sean Wroe and Ben Offereins.

"Fans of athletics will be treated to more than 40 hours of free-to-air coverage of this major international event across SBS ONE, SBS TWO, and 24/7 online," said SBS Head of Sport Ken Shipp.

"This year the event will feature the second biggest team ever to represent Australia at a world athletics championships and we can expect the gold medal charge will be led by Olympic gold medallist Steve Hooker, and Beijing silver medallist Sally McLellan."

Sports commentator David Basheer will host both live and daily highlights programs, with crosses to athletics specialist and sports presenter Emma Simkin trackside amongst the stars of world athletics in Berlin.

As always, a number of young hopefuls will be looking to make their international breakthrough, among them promising long jumper Mitchell Watt.

For comprehensive coverage of the event, including Australian performances and exclusive interviews, SBS is the only television station. Event highlights via SBS ONE and SBS TWO (check local guides) wil include:

Saturday, August 15: Men’s 20km walk final (SBS TWO)
Sunday, August 16: Men’s Shot put final
Monday, August 17: Men’s 100m final
Tuesday, August 18: Women’s 100m final
Wednesday, August 19: Men’s 400m final
Thursday, August 20: Women’s 100m hurdles final
Friday, August 21: Men’s 50km walk final (SBS TWO)
Saturday, August 22: Men’s Pole vault final  
Sunday, August 23: Men’s Long jump final
Monday, August 24: Men’s 4 x 400m final   

Download the full broadcast schedule here.