4 November 2010

UKA today announced its intention to bid to host the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships in London and step away from the 2015 bid process.

The decision, which has the full backing of the UK Government, ensures UKA can present a bid with the necessary backing in place and also one which has clarity over the future use of the Olympic Stadium. 

Chairman of UKA, Ed Warner, said: “Obviously we are disappointed not to be pursuing our 2015 bid especially after securing the support of both the government and the Mayor of London. However, we need to present the IAAF with a bid that is free of any uncertainties.

“That is not something we can commit to until the process regarding the future of the Stadium which we fully support, is concluded. Our bid is, in my option, an excellent one and one that can deliver an outstanding championships for the IAAF. That fact remains.

“I would like to put on record my thanks to the government and in particular the sports minster Hugh Robertson, the Mayor’s office, the OPLC and UK Sport for their support throughout this process and their commitment to a 2017 bid.”

Hugh Robertson said: “We are absolutely committed to staging the greatest sporting events in the UK and that of course includes the IAAF World Championships. In our bid to the IOC for the 2012 Olympics we were clear that the games would produce a legacy for athletics and that has not changed. We cannot stress enough the importance of athletics as part of the Olympic legacy.

“The deadline for the 2015 bid falls before the conclusion of the Stadium process in spring 2011, but that does not diminish our appetite to host the event. The UK government and UKA remain keen and committed to a bid as soon as we are able.”

IAAF President Lamine Diack added: “We fully understand and respect the reasons for UKA moving their bid from 2015 to 2017. We are delighted that London are still in the race.”