Rawlinson was among a 41-member athletics team headed for Beijing hat includes world 50-kilometer walk world champion Nathan Deakes, who will also be appearing in his third Olympics.

The 25-year-old Rawlinson won her 2003 title as Jana Pittman and went into the Athens Olympics as one of the favourites, but finished fifth after suffering a knee injury in training.

She won her second world title last August at Osaka, Japan - eight months after giving birth to her first child, Cornelis.

Jane Saville, 20-kilometer walk bronze medalist at the Athens Games, will be going to her fourth Olympics. Australia's other medal chances include former world No. 1 pole vaulter Steve Hooker and Craig Mottram in the 5,000 meters.

Athletics Australia national performance manager Max Binnington said he had high expectations for the team, but made no medal predictions.