Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) has announced his Government will back a bid to bring the World Athletics Championships to the UK in 2029. The Prime Minister's support comes after more than 100 athletes, including Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and Sir Mo Farah, called for Government backing last month.
The announcement was made on Saturday as London prepares to host a sold-out Diamond League event at the Olympic stadium. Sir Keir confirmed the Government would also support a bid for the World Para Athletics Championships to be held alongside the main event.
Government pledges significant funding
"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," Sir Keir said. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed it would provide "significant" financial backing for the bids, subject to funding from other sources.
If successful, the 2029 event would mark the first time the World Athletics Championships had taken place in London since 2017. The Government also plans to bid for the World Para Athletics Championships to be held outside London, with a host city to be announced later.
Athletes welcome Prime Minister's commitment
Sir Keir emphasised the broader benefits of hosting the championships, saying it "would not only unlock opportunities for UK athletes but it would inspire the next generation to get involved and pursue their ambitions". He added that the event would provide a boost for UK businesses, support jobs and bring communities together.
Jack Buckner, chief executive of UK Athletics, welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment. He said hosting the events would "drive the sport on to new heights" in the UK.
Olympic stars back the bid
Athletes have responded enthusiastically to the announcement. Olympic medallist and 1,500m world champion Josh Kerr said taking part in the 2017 championships had "lit a fire in me".
Double heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson said it would "show what British athletics is all about". Para-athlete Zak Skinner highlighted the importance of the World Para Athletics Championships, saying hosting the event "would be a huge statement -- not just for our athletes, but for the next generation watching in the stands or at home".
UK's sporting calendar expands
A successful bid would add two more major events to the UK's packed sporting schedule over the next five years. The country is already set to host this year's Women's Rugby World Cup, the Women's T20 Cricket World Cup in 2026, Euro 2028 and the Men's T20 Cricket World Cup in 2030.
This year's World Athletics Championships will take place in Tokyo, whilst the 2027 edition will be hosted by Beijing. The UK's bid represents an opportunity to return the championships to London after a 12-year gap.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
