For the first time ever, the UK will host the IAAF World Athletics Championships!

After a tense vote, London beat Doha (capital of Qatar) for the right to host the 2017 World Athletics. Earlier this year, Daegu in South Korea held the 2011 edition, attracting over 1,800 athletes in 47 events! In Monaco earlier today,  the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) came to the conclusion that the capital of the UK would be the best host for the 2017 edition. It is to be held primarily in the Olympic Stadium in London, soon to be used for the 2012 London Olympics just 9 months away.

Sebastian Coe, leader for England’s bid announced after they had won “This bid has been developed by athletes and athletics, for athletes and athletics.” and that  “We believe 2017 will cement the clear, unambiguous vision we offered the world in 2005 [when London was awarded the 2012 Olympics], a vision that promised a real legacy through unprecedented levels of investment in our new national stadium.“

The total prize fund allotted for competitors is £5 million, now included in the total budget. Olympic gold heptathlete Denise Lewis and youth champion sprinter Jodie Williams presented compelling speeches, as well as a personal message from Prime Minister David Cameron, showing his support for the cause.

This will be the first time the UK has hosted this event, after nearly pulling it away from Finland in 2005. However, the planned stadium would have been too expensive, so plans were dropped and the Championship awarded to Helsinki, the host from the original 1983 event.

What do you think? Are you an avid follower of Athletics in the UK and are you excited for their arrival? Or is it not as amazing as it seems? Leave your thoughts below!

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