Britain's Best Back London 2017

London 2017 World Athletics Championships bid unveils British ambassadors

Some of Britain’s greatest athletes have today been unveiled as official ambassadors for London’s bid to host the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships.

Mo Farah, the star of the recent World Championships in Daegu, heads the list of names backing London 2017. He is joined by fellow World Champion Dai Greene as well as Phillips Idowu and Hannah England. In addition, a number of Great Britain’s legendary former athletes have joined the current stars in providing their support, including Denise Lewis, Sally Gunnell, Jonathan Edwards, Roger Black and Steve Cram.

A successful London 2017 bid would see the world’s greatest athletes returning to the Olympic Stadium and deliver a real legacy from London 2012 by bringing one of the biggest sporting events to the capital.

Ed Warner, UKA Chairman commented: "I am delighted that so many of our top athletes, past and present, have backed London 2017. The message from the athletes loud and clear is that London is the athlete’s choice. The athletes know that London 2017 will deliver an iconic venue, full of passionate and knowledgeable fans.

World Champion Mo Farah said: "London is such a fantastic multi-cultural city. We have great resources, great people and a real love of sport, and it’s because of this that I think it would be a fantastic host for the 2017 IAAF World Championships. The athletes will all have an incredible experience in my home city and can be sure that the fans will get right behind them."

World Champion Dai Greene said: "I am thrilled to get behind the country’s campaign to bring such a prestigious event to the UK. I’ve just learnt what it means to be a World Champion and do that on home soil in front of a British crowd would be quite amazing. The support we get competing in front of a packed crowd at Crystal Palace or Birmingham gives me goosebumps, imagine what that would feel like in the Olympic Stadium."

Phillips Idowu said: "London is my home city and trust me when I say it is a great place to compete in front of tens of thousands of fans. The fans are always so passionate, every athlete loves competing in London and to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships here would be fantastic."

Denise Lewis, said: "A passionate crowd can make a real difference to an athletes’ performance. Competing in front of a loud, knowledgeable crowd is important as it can really spur you on to perform at your best and break records. British fans really love the sport and I have experienced this first hand every time I competed here, there is always a special buzz. That combined with the absolute commitment to the athlete experience is why I believe the IAAF World Championships in 2017 should go to London."

Jonathan Edwards, said: "I can’t wait to see the Olympics in London next year. The IAAF and the athletics family have been unwavering in their support of an Olympic legacy and what better way to demonstrate the positive effects of the Olympics than by showing off that legacy in a fantastic IAAF World Championships in 2017.

"There is a real passion for athletics in the UK. More than 1.9 million people applied for athletics tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games demonstrating the incredible appetite there is for world class competition. The athletes know if the 2017 IAAF World Championships come here they can expect a knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd – what more can you ask for?"

The ambassadors will play a crucial role in the Bid process including attendance at key events, meetings with stakeholders and use of imagery in promotional materials.

The London 2017 bid, which has been put together by UK Athletics, DCMS, the Mayor of London, London & Partners and UK Sport, will be looking to secure the votes of the 27 IAAF Council Members before the decision on who will host the Championships is made in Monaco on November 11th.

For more information, contact: alexandra.dallas@pitch.co.uk or +44 (0) 207 494 1616.

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