Keely Hodgkinson calls for London Stadium to host 2029 World Athletics Championships
Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson has intensified her campaign for the London Stadium to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championship, taking aim at West Ham for their opposition to the bid, reports BritPanorama.
The Premier League club has indicated it may block the three-week event scheduled for September 2029, citing concerns about being displaced during the football season.
With an April 3 deadline looming for initial submissions to World Athletics, this dispute threatens to derail London’s chances of hosting the global competition. Hodgkinson, the 24-year-old 800m specialist, first sparked the row earlier this week through a pointed social media post, further elaborating on her position.
Hodgkinson’s initial remark suggested that British athletes would “bring back more medals to that stadium than West Ham have seen in their entire history.” Following this, she expressed on X her excitement over the national competition, stating: “Thoroughly enjoyed the rattled comments under this, but in all seriousness, to have a global championships back in London would be incredible for our sport.”
The Olympic gold medalist further added, “I didn’t think we’d get the opportunity again during my career; the British crowd would fill it every day.”
Criticising the football club’s stance, Hodgkinson remarked that it seems “silly for London to be taken out of the running over a football team not compromising on a stadium they pay RENT for when it’s only a few extra away games.” She noted that “everything’s always all about money and never moments.”
The London Stadium was purpose-built as an athletics venue for the 2012 Olympic Games before West Ham secured it as their home ground four years later, having signed a 99-year lease with Greater London Authority Holdings Limited, which grants them priority access during the football season. Club sources have indicated they are prepared to pursue legal action to defend their position if necessary.
The bid faces further pressure as any deviation from World Athletics’ preferred September dates could benefit competing candidates Rome and Munich, despite UK government backing for London’s submission. West Ham has vacated the venue previously for summer events, including concerts and Diamond League athletics, but has never left mid-season for an extended period.
West Ham continues to engage in what they describe as “constructive dialogue” with London Stadium officials about potential dates for the proposed bid, yet they emphasise that “any decisions remain subject to the club’s overriding priority clause, a contractual right ensuring West Ham United games take priority during the football season.”
As Hodgkinson exemplifies British athletics’ resurgence, her push highlights the often precarious balance of sport in a financially driven environment where the stakes extend well beyond the tracks.
