This is the letter we just posted a release on. In the UK, 108 British athletes, former and current signed a letter to the Prime Minister requesting his and the government’s support of the 2029 World Athletics Championships being hosting in London.
Subject Line: An Open Letter from British Athletes: Let’s Bring the World Athletics
Championships Home
CCD The Chancellor and Secretary of State
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, European and Commonwealth champions and
medallists. We’ve stood on podiums with pride but there is nothing like competing in front of a home
crowd. For many athletes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For our country, it’s an opportunity we
must not let pass us by.
That’s why we are calling on the UK Government to back the bid to host the World Athletics
Championships in 2029.
There is no more iconic setting than the London Stadium, the scene of unforgettable moments at the
2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the record-breaking 2017 World Championships. Britain
knows how to put on global events. We do it brilliantly. And when we host, the impact goes far beyond
medals and headlines. It inspires a generation. It generates huge economic and community impact. It
brings the country together in excitement and joy.
We are known and respected across the world as great event organisers. As athletes, we compete on
every continent. And wherever we go, one thing is clear: our fellow competitors talk about British events
with admiration. They want to compete here. They trust the fairness, the atmosphere, the attention to
detail and they know the fans will turn out in force. Competing in front of sell-out crowds is something
the UK uniquely provides. Athletics is a truly global sport, and the UK holds a unique and respected
place within it.
Hosting in 2029 would bring the world’s best athletes back to British soil but more importantly, it would
inspire a new generation to get involved in the most diverse and inclusive sport there is. Some of us
were lucky enough to experience a home crowd at London 2012 and 2017. Some of us volunteered,
others were in the stands. All of us were inspired. That spark set many of us on our journeys, just as it
did for so many thousands of other young people who’ve gone on to join clubs, coach, officiate, or
simply fall in love with athletics.
We know there are tough decisions facing the country. But this isn’t just about sport. It’s about
opportunity, inclusion, wellbeing—and pride. Events like this bring economic benefit, drive tourism, and
showcase Britain at its best. But above all, they leave a legacy that lives on in communities, schools,
and families for years to come.
The window to act is short. A decision to back the bid is needed in the coming weeks. We ask you – our
government – to show your support and help us bring the World Championships home.
We’re ready. We hope you are too.
Signed by:
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Eugene Amo-Dadzie, Amber Anning, Dina Asher-Smith MBE, Jeremiah Azu,
Steve Backley MBE, David Bedford OBE, Roger Black MBE, Tom Bosworth MBE, Joe Brier, Darren
Campbell MBE, Taylor Campbell, Alastair Chalmers, Melissa Courtney-Bryant, Steve Cram CBE,
Linford Christie OBE, Lynn Davies CBE, Charlie Dobson, Eilidh Doyle, Jonathan Edwards CBE, Hannah
England, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sir Mo Farah, Jacob Fincham-Dukes, Innes FitzGerald, Sir Brendan
Foster, Jason Gardener MBE, Phoebe Gill, Neil Gourley, Robbie Grabarz, Dai Greene, Sally Gunnell
OBE, Toby Harries, David Hemery CBE, Louie Hinchliffe, Sophie Hitchon, Keely Hodgkinson MBE,Dame Kelly Holmes, Matthew Hudson-Smith, Zharnel Hughes, Georgia Hunter Bell, Tim Hutchings,
Colin Jackson CBE, Katarina Johnson-Thompson MBE, Hannah Kelly, Josh Kerr, Richard Kilty, Morgan
Lake, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Dame Denise Lewis, Mark Lewis-Francis MBE, Scott Lincoln, Christian
Malcolm, Eamonn Martin, Jenny Meadows, Kissiwaa Mensah, Eilish McColgan, Liz McColgan MBE,
Katharine Merry, George Mills, Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake, David Moorcroft OBE, Laura Muir, Ashleigh
Nelson, Laviai Nielsen, Lina Nielsen, Daryll Neita, Jade O’Dowda, Christine Ohuruogu MBE, Victoria
Ohuruogu, Lawrence Okoye, Anyika Onuora, Alan Pascoe MBE, Ben Pattison, Jo Pavey MBE, Asha
Philip, Andrew Pozzi, Reece Prescod, Charlotte Purdue, Paula Radcliffe MBE, Sam Reardon, Jemma
Reekie, Michael Rimmer, Martyn Rooney, Greg Rutherford MBE, Tessa Sanderson CBE, Goldie
Sayers, Wendy Sly MBE, Katie Snowden, Kelly Sotherton MBE, Andrew Steele, Danny Talbot, Iwan
Thomas MBE, Chris Thompson, Daley Thompson CBE, Andy Turner, Laura Turner-Alleyne, Steph
Twell, Lorraine Ugen, Laura Weightman, and Jake Wightman. (108)
