Nairobi to Host 2029 World Athletics Championships, London Left Disappointed

In a significant decision announced during a World Athletics council meeting in Budapest, Nairobi has been chosen to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, marking a historic first for the continent of Africa. The announcement dealt a blow to London's aspirations, which were bolstered by its previous experience hosting the event in 2017.

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe praised Nairobi's bid as 'compelling and emotional,' emphasizing the importance of bringing the championships to Africa under the right circumstances. 'Nairobi has demonstrated emphatically that this is their moment,' Coe stated, highlighting the city's potential to create a lasting legacy in athletics.

While London's bid was led by Athletic Ventures, which included UK Athletics and the London Marathon Events, CEO Jack Buckner expressed disappointment over the outcome. He acknowledged the support from various stakeholders, including the government and the London Stadium, while also extending congratulations to Nairobi. The UK bid faced challenges, including uncertainty over venue availability and recent attendance issues at local athletics events.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk