WHAT TO WATCH

GOLD IS HIS GOAL:

His preparation for the worlds? “Phenomenal,” American triple jumper Christian Taylor said. His goal? “Exactly the same as they are every meet and every championship,” said Taylor, who’s attempting to win his third world title in the event. He and teammate Will Claye have finished with the gold and silver, respectively, at the last two Olympics.

With three in the final, the Americans are hoping for a 1-2-3 finish in the final of the women’s 400-meter hurdles. “For all of us to make it through safely is amazing,” said Dalilah Muhammad, who captured the Olympic gold in Brazil. Defending world champion Zuzana Hejnova of the Czech Republic had the fastest time in the semifinals.

SWEEP DREAMS: FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

:At 38, Olympic high jump champion Ruth Beitia of Spain is still going strong. She will try to hold off the next generation of jumpers, including 19-yearold Vashti Cunningham. She is the daughter of longtime NFL quarterback Randall Cunningham, who also happens to be her coach.

ELITE COMPANY:

Asbel Kiprop of Kenya begins his quest for a fourth 1,500-meter title with a preliminary heat. Out to spoil things will be American runner Matthew Centrowitz, who claimed the 1,500 Olympic title last August.

BACK TO THE TRACK:

Fresh off a bronze-medal performance in the 1,500, Caster Semenya of South Africa returns to the track for a preliminary heat in her signature event, the 800 meters. Semenya is the defending Olympic champion. She’s been at the epicenter of a debate in track and field over women with very high levels of testosterone being allowed to compete. “I’m an athlete,” Semenya said. “I focus more on running. Nothing else.”