London Pulls Out Of 2015 Championships Race

UK Athletics has confirmed that London has pulled out of the running to host the 2015 IAAF World Athletics Championships to focus its attention on bidding for the 2017 tournament.

The decision, which has the 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.’

Hugh Robertson said of the decision: ‘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.’

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.’