When they begin their 2008 campaigns with Beijing glory as their focus, five top international athletes will also put win streaks of at least 15 competitions on the line. Topping the list is two-time World Steeplechase champion Saif Saaeed Shaheen and Pole Vault star Yelena Isinbayeva.

Sidelined by injury in 2007, Shaheen, now 25, watched the season unfold sitting on a 24 race win streak in his specialty, still the longest in the sport. The Qatari’s last loss came at the 2002 African Championships where he finished third.