London Poised to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships After Securing Key Funding
London is now strongly positioned to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championships following confirmation of significant government backing for the bid.
Reports indicate that the UK government has pledged £35 million to support the bid, marking the first time the event would return to London since 2017. An additional £10 million is expected to come from the mayor’s office.
The commitment follows extensive efforts by UK Athletics and UK Sport, both of which highlighted the event’s potential to motivate future athletes, including Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson, while also delivering economic advantages.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the news as London prepared to host a Diamond League event attended by 60,000 spectators. “Securing the World Athletics Championships for the UK would be a source of immense national pride, reinforcing our standing as a global leader in hosting exceptional sporting events,” he said.
“Hosting the championships would create new opportunities for British athletes and encourage young people to pursue their sporting dreams. It would also provide a significant economic uplift, benefiting businesses and fostering community spirit. I am pleased to back this bid.”
The London Stadium has been proposed as the venue for the 2029 event. Additionally, the government has pledged to stage the World Para Athletics Championships in another city, though a host has yet to be confirmed.
Josh Kerr, the 1500m world champion and two-time Olympic medallist, welcomed the news. “Competing at the 2017 World Championships in London was a defining moment for me,” he said. “Experiencing that energy as part of a home team fueled my drive to become a world champion and achieve Olympic success.”
Given the success of the 2012 Olympics and the 2017 World Championships, London is considered the frontrunner to host in 2029. A final decision will be made next September.
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