Clarke, one of history's greatest-ever runners who competed in three Commonwealth Games, winning four silver medals, has claimed that the Gold Coast already has facilities good enough to host the event and that they should model it on the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, which he claims were the most successful in history.

"But where no new facilities were built," he said.

Clarke has expressly questioned the need for the four proposed indoor sporting complexes earmarked for Coomera, at least two at Carrara and one at Robina, next to Skilled Park.

Gold Coast's bid committee have set aside $500 million (£305 million) to help build them.

The centrepiece of the bid is a new 25,000 seat stadium that is currently being built within the Carrara Precinct.

Due for completion in mid-2011, the stadium will initially host Australian Rules football but will be transformed for the Commonwealth Games into the city's premier sporting venue and upgraded to hold 40,000 spectators for the opening and closing ceremonies and track and field competitions.

A warm up track will be located adjacent to the main stadium and the Carrara Precinct will also host gymnastics, badminton and the finals of the basketball competition.

"No one wants a white elephant," Clarke told the Gold Coast Bulletin News.

"I don't think we need the complex that is being planned for gymnastics.

"Most of what we already have can handle the Games."

Clarke's statement coincides with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa setting up a bid committee for Hambantota, the Gold Coast's only rival for the 2018 Games, which he has urged to come up with a plan to build new facilities and an athletes village.

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