London misses out on hosting 2029 World Athletics Championships
London has missed out on hosting the 2029 World Athletics Championships to Nairobi in Kenya, reports BritPanorama.
The decision was confirmed during a World Athletics council meeting in Budapest, marking the first time an African city will host the championship.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe noted the rigorous selection process, stating, “We were fortunate to have four outstanding bids for 2029 and 2031, and this was not an easy decision for the council.” He added that the decision aligns with their aim to expand athletics globally, ensuring championships occur in Asia, Africa, and Europe over the next three editions.
Nairobi and Munich were highlighted as presenting “compelling propositions,” each offering unique opportunities for the sport. This leaves London to reflect on its bid, which proposed the London Stadium, previously used during the 2012 Olympics and the last World Championships in 2017.
Rome similarly missed the opportunity to host, with Munich being confirmed to stage the championships in 2031. This news arrives despite London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan’s ambitions to attract more major sports events to the capital.
Khan expressed his commitment to bringing the World Athletics Championships to London, collaborating with various stakeholders, including Athletics Ventures and West Ham United. He stated, “I am continuing to work closely with… our wider partnership to progress plans to make this vision a reality.”
As the competition continues to evolve, cities around the world will be keeping a close eye on how this development might impact the global athletic landscape. The capital’s quest for prestigious sporting events remains steadfast, reflecting a robust commitment to enhancing London’s status as a hub for international sports.
