They have all been unveiled as official ambassadors for the bid, the first significant initiative by UK Athletics since the campaign was officially launched earlier this year.

Farah, the world 5,000 metres champion, and Greene, who won the 400m hurdles in Daegu, will combine with Lewis and Edwards, who claimed Olympic gold in the heptathlon and triple at the 2000 Games in Sydney to promote the bid which is facing strong competitio from its only rival, Doha. 

Other ambassadors unveiled include Phillips Idowu (pictured below), the 2009 world triple jump champion, and Hannah England, who won the silver medal in the 1500m at the World Championships.

Sally Gunnell, the 1992 Olympic 400m hurdles champion, Steve Cram, the 1983 world 1500m champion and former world mile record holder, and Roger Black, the 1996 Olympic 400m silver medallist, complete the line-up.

"London is such a fantastic multi-cultural city.," said Farah.

"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."

Greene endorsed Farah's stance. 

"I am thrilled to get behind the country's campaign to bring such a prestigious event to the UK," said the Welshman.

"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."


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, including when the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Evaluation Commission visits London next month.

"I can't wait to see the Olympics in London next year," said Edwards, who is still the world record holder for the triple jump 16 years after setting it.

"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?"

Ed Warner, the chairman of UK Athletics, hopes that London's excellent reputation for staging major athletics events will give their bid the edge over Doha. 

"I'm delighted that so many of our top athletes, past and present, have backed London 2017," he said.

"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."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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