The Japanese star, whose hammer throwing father Shigenobu was known as the 'Iron Man of Asia', missed the last worlds with persistent back problems and is determined to add gold to the silver he won in 2001 and the bronze in 2003.

"There is pressure on me from the Japanese public and athletics fans (to win at the World Championships) but that's OK. I like to throw under pressure," Murofushi, the Olympic champion, said.

"But, from a Japanese perspective, it's not just a question of gold medals or any particular medal.

"In Japan, it is very important how you compete and how you act as well, so I want to do my best in every respect when the World Championships come around," he added.

If he won, he would be the first Japanese gold medallist who is not a marathon runner.

Zhou Chunxiu is another possible gold medal winner after making history in April by becoming the first Chinese to win the London marathon, clocking 2hrs 20min 38sec ahead of Ethiopia's Gete Wami and Romanian Constantina Tomescu-Dita.

The petite runner posted her best marathon time of 2:19.51 last year in Seoul, which was the second best time in the world in 2006, and also took the Asian Games title in December.

She finished fifth in Helsinki.

Race walkers Liu Hong and Jiang Jing are also having solid seasons and could add to the Chinese medal kitty.

Asia has few other genuine medal chances.

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