More than 100 of Great Britain’s track and field stars of past and present have appealed to the prime minister for government to fund a bid for London to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
In a open letter posted on Tuesday, standout athletes like Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Josh Kerr, Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Dina Asher-Smith lobbied to Keir Starmer, chancellor Rachel Reeves and the culture secretary Lisa Nandy to compete for a “once-in-a-lifetime” hosting opportunity.
“We’ve stood on podiums with pride but there is nothing like competing in front of a home crowd,” the letter read. “For many athletes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For our country, it’s an opportunity we must not let pass us by.”
In total, 108 athletes — who won 750 medals — endorsed the letter as part of UK Sport and UK Athletics with the hopes that their combined experience — and star power — would have an impact on whether the government seriously considers a bid for the event.
“There is no more iconic setting than the London Stadium, the scene of unforgettable moments at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the record-breaking 2017 World Championships,” the letter continued. “Britain knows how to put on global events. We do it brilliantly. And when we host, the impact goes far beyond medals and headlines. It inspires a generation. It generates huge economic and community impact. It brings the country together in excitement and joy.”
The positive economic impacted on the local and wider economy in the region is estimated to be worth nearly $550 million.
But a bid for the World Championships faces steep hurdles. Government officials would have to commit $60 million towards the bid and there will likely be resistance following a well-publicized effort to land the 2035 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
The athletes in the letter favor London over other UK cities and noted that London Stadium is the best site for to serve as a venue after hosting the 2012 Olympics and 2017 World Championships.
Their pleas are bolstered by a $13 million commitment from London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, with the $60 million bid needing to be submitted by 2028.
“Some of us were lucky enough to experience a home crowd at London 2012 and 2017,” the letter read. “Some of us volunteered, others were in the stands. All of us were inspired. That spark set many of us on our journeys.”
Whether the united voice of all 108 athletes is enough to sway members of the highest levels of government remains in question, with the World Championships just five years away. But evidence of a planning bid will need to be presented to World Athletics by September in order to gauge how serious a London proposal would be.
“We know there are tough decisions facing the country. But this isn’t just about sport,” the letter continues. “It’s about opportunity, inclusion, wellbeing — and pride. Events like this bring economic benefit, drive tourism, and showcase Britain at its best. But above all, they leave a legacy that lives on.”
Athletes who signed the letter
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Eugene Amo-Dadzie, Amber Anning, Dina Asher-Smith, Jeremiah Azu, Steve Backley, David Bedford, Roger Black, Tom Bosworth, Joe Brier, Darren Campbell, Taylor Campbell, Alastair Chalmers, Melissa Courtney-Bryant, Steve Cram, Linford Christie, Lynn Davies, Charlie Dobson, Eilidh Doyle, Jonathan Edwards, Hannah England, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Mo Farah, Jacob Fincham-Dukes, Innes FitzGerald, Brendan Foster, Jason Gardener, Phoebe Gill, Neil Gourley, Robbie Grabarz, Dai Greene, Sally Gunnell, Toby Harries, David Hemery, Louie Hinchliffe, Sophie Hitchon, Keely Hodgkinson, Kelly Holmes, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Zharnel Hughes, Georgia Hunter Bell, Tim Hutchings, Colin Jackson, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Hannah Kelly, Josh Kerr, Richard Kilty, Morgan Lake, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Denise Lewis, Mark Lewis-Francis, Scott Lincoln, Christian Malcolm, Eamonn Martin, Jenny Meadows, Kissiwaa Mensah, Eilish McColgan, Liz McColgan, Katharine Merry, George Mills, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, David Moorcroft, Laura Muir, Ashleigh Nelson, Laviai Nielsen, Lina Nielsen, Daryll Neita, Jade O’Dowda, Christine Ohuruogu, Victoria Ohuruogu, Lawrence Okoye, Anyika Onuora, Alan Pascoe, Ben Pattison, Jo Pavey, Asha Philip, Andrew Pozzi, Reece Prescod, Charlotte Purdue, Paula Radcliffe, Sam Reardon, Jemma Reekie, Michael Rimmer, Martyn Rooney, Greg Rutherford, Tessa Sanderson, Goldie Sayers, Wendy Sly, Katie Snowden, Kelly Sotherton, Andrew Steele, Danny Talbot, Iwan Thomas, Chris Thompson, Daley Thompson, Andy Turner, Laura Turner-Alleyne, Steph Twell, Lorraine Ugen, Laura Weightman, and Jake Wightman.
