More than 100 of Britain's most celebrated athletes have penned an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, advocating for government support for London's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. Esteemed athletes such as Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson, Dame Kelly Holmes, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, and Daley Thompson have all signed the letter.

The proposed bid aims to bring the World Championships to the London Stadium, with a one-time public funding requirement in 2028, promising a significant national economic impact of £400 million. The athletes emphasize the event's potential to not only showcase the world's best athletes on British soil but also to inspire a new generation to engage in athletics.

"Hosting in 2029 would bring the world's best athletes back to British soil but more importantly, it would inspire a new generation to get involved in the most diverse and inclusive sport there is," the letter states. The athletes reflect on their own experiences, stating, "Some of us were lucky enough to experience a home crowd at London 2012 and 2017. Some of us volunteered, others were in the stands. All of us were inspired."

They further highlight the broader impact of such events, noting, "That spark set many of us on our journeys, just as it did for so many thousands of other young people who've gone on to join clubs, coach, officiate, or simply fall in love with athletics."

The bid process for the 2029 Championships is set to commence this summer, with organizers urging ministers to commit to securing the event for the UK in the coming weeks. London last hosted the Championships in 2017, marking the last time the event was held in the UK.