OSAKA — For nine glorious days, new world champions are being crowned at Nagai Stadium.

News photoKenya's Janeth Jepkosgei exults as she crosses the finish line to win the 800-meter final at Osaka's Nagai Stadium on Tuesday night. Jepkosgei won in a time of 1 minute, 56.04 seconds. AP PHOTO

These are days when ex-champions must cope with the reality that they'll have to wait two more years — or never — to regain their title.