Vinco – News – Over 100 British Athletes call for Government Backing in World Championships Bid

It’s been 8 years since 60,000 fans funnelled out of the London Stadium following the conclusion of one of the most dramatic races and championships in the history of track and field. Great Britain wrote their own headlines in the men’s 4x100m as Usain Bolt retired with a hamstring tear in the final 60m of his storied career.

Now more than 100 of Britain’s top athletes are calling on the UK Government to bring the World Athletics Championships back to the capital. 

The athletes which include the likes of Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Daley Thompson CBE and current athletes including 1500m World Champion Josh Kerr and 800m Olympic Champion Keely Hodgkinson have amassed more than 750 international championship medals with more than 300 of those being gold. 

The campaign is a joint venture from UK Athletics, London Marathon Events and the Great Run Company with the championships to be held at the London stadium only requiring public funding in 2028 with a proposed return of £400 million to the British economy.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of London Marathon and co-founder of the campaigns leading organisation Athletic Ventures stating “London 2029 is not a risk; it’s about return on investment for the UK. Generations of athletes know the inspirational power of a home Championships, but this is about more than medals. It’s a vision for what this country can achieve. 

“With government support in 2028, we will deliver the greatest World Championships yet: commercially robust, community powered, and globally resonant. It is set to deliver more than £400 million in economic and community impact across the UK. The time to act is now.”

Jack Buckner, CEO of UK Athletics and co-founder of Athletic Ventures adding “We know what home support can achieve and when our greatest athletes from past and present are unified with one message, their call should not be ignored.

“With London 2029, we have the chance to deliver a World Championships that lifts the nation, inspires the next generation, and showcases Britain at its very best. We’re ready. Now we need the Government to stand with us.”

The 2029 bid process is due to commence this summer, with organisers urging Ministers to commit in the coming weeks to secure the Championships for the UK.

Read the full letter below:

Dear Prime Minister,

We write as athletes who have had the honour of representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland on

the world stage. Among us are World, Olympic,…