Hooker headlines world champs team

Pole vault superstar Steve Hooker headlines a strong Australian team ay for the world athletics championships in South Korea, with expectations of at least five medals.

Hooker will defend the title he won in 2009 in Berlin, as will discus thrower Dani Samuels.

Nathan Deakes, meanwhile, returns from a long spell out with injury in the 50km walk, the event he won in 2007 in Osaka.

The number of world champions will swell to four if two-time 400m hurdles gold medallist Jana Pittman can prove her fitness.

While 24 selections were named, the team is expected to number about 40 by the deadline of July 31.

"We're happy with the 24 quality athletes we currently have selected and look forward to the selection process continuing in the coming months," said Athletics Australia chairman of selectors Dion Russell.

"The team is a combination of proven performers and new blood looking to grow, and with our sights firmly set on London (Olympics) in the long term that is a positive result."

High performance manager Eric Hollingsworth said they were targeting at least five medals, one more than Berlin, which was Australia's best performance ever.

"I am confident that with the team we have announced today, and those that we will add in the months to come, that this is achievable," he said.

The world championships will be held in Daegu, South Korea from August 27-September 4.

Men

5000m: Ben St Lawrence

Pole vault: Steve Hooker

Long jump: Mitchell Watt, Fabrice Lapierre

Discus: Benn Harradine

20km walk: Jared Tallent, Luke Adams, Adam Rutter

50km walk: Jared Tallent, Luke Adams, Nathan Deakes

4x100m relay: Aaron Rouge-Serret, Anthony Alozie, Isaac Ntiamoah, Matt Davies

4x400m relay: Steve Solomon, Ben Offereins, John Steffensen, Sean Wroe

Women

100m: Sally Pearson

100m hurdles: Sally Pearson

Pole vault: Alana Boyd

Discus: Dani Samuels

Javelin: Kim Mickle

20km walk: Claire Tallent

4x400m relay: Tamsyn Lewis, Caitlin Sargent