IOC Backs 2012 Wembley Switch

The International Olympic Committee has confirmed that the badminton and rhythmic gymnastics competitions at the London 2012 Games will be switched to Wembley Arena instead of the temporary venue initially proposed by the organising committee.

2012 organising committee LOCOG had originally planned to build a temporary venue in Greenwich for the two sports so that they could be close to the Olympic Park.

However with costs spiralling a decision was made to move the events to Wembley Arena – a decision that drew strong criticism from the individual governing bodies of the two sports.

However, athletes are now more likely to be offered nearby accommodation and travel times will be cut.

Denis Oswald, an International Olympic Committee official, said that the move made financial sense: ‘Several millions will be saved and we would like to thank the sports for their understanding in these challenging economic times.’

The agreement will still need to be confirmed by the two sports.