London Pushes for 2029 World Athletics Championships with Star Support
The UK government is considering a bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
- Over 100 British athletes urged government support for London’s bid.
- Concerns existed over a £45m funding request amid spending cuts.
- The championships were absent from a recent £500m sports investment announcement.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed delight in supporting the bid.
- UK Athletics CEO highlights the sport’s upward trajectory and the bid’s potential.
Will London host the 2029 World Athletics Championships? Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he is “delighted to support the bid” for the prestigious event, potentially bringing it to the UK for the first time since London hosted in 2017.
In June, more than 100 of Britain’s most renowned athletes penned an open letter to Starmer, advocating for government backing of London’s bid. This move followed concerns that the bid might be in jeopardy due to uncertainties surrounding the estimated £45 million the government was asked to provide. These concerns arose against a backdrop of spending cuts, even with projections suggesting the event could generate £400 million in economic impact.
Adding to the uncertainty, the championships were notably absent from a recent government spending review that unveiled half a billion pounds of investment into sporting events.
A Boost for British Athletics
Despite the initial silence in the spending review, talks have been ongoing between UK Athletics, UK Sport, and government officials. Starmer emphasized the national pride such an event would bring, stating, “Bringing the World Athletics Championships to the UK would be a moment of great national pride, building on our global reputation for hosting memorable sporting events that showcase the very best talent.”
He further elaborated on the broader benefits: “Hosting these championships would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes, but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions. The event would provide a boost for UK businesses and support jobs as well as bring our communities together.”
Athlete Enthusiasm
Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics, expressed optimism about the sport’s current state and the bid’s potential impact. “After superb medal hauls over the last few years on the world, Olympic and Paralympic stage, athletics in the UK is on an upward trajectory, with new partners, record participation and sold-out stadia. This support will drive the sport on to new heights,” he said.
World champion and double Olympic medallist Josh Kerr shared his personal connection to hosting major events. “London 2017 was my first senior World Championships and it lit a fire in me,” Kerr recalled. “Being part of a home team in that kind of atmosphere was incredible – it made me hungrier than ever to become a world champion and chase Olympic medals.”
Kerr believes government support for the 2029 bid would be transformative. “Having the government support to bid for 2029 and potentially bring that experience back to London would be massive,” he stated. “It would inspire so many young athletes and give the sport the platform it deserves. I’m proud to support the bid and hope we get the chance to show the world what we can do on home soil.”
