European Athletics President Hansjorg Wirz has expressed his hopes that the Olympic Stadium athletics track is retained after the 2012 London Games.
The president says he strongly backs UK Athletics Chairman Ed Warner’s call for the promised athletics legacy at the Olympic Stadium to be honoured.
“Keeping the athletics track must be part of any future plans for the Olympic Stadium,” said Wirz. “London needs a high-quality venue that has the potential to host future European Athletics Championships and World Championships.
“An iconic venue such as the Olympic Stadium can act as an inspiration for future generations of British athletes, whether they train or compete there for clubs, schools or universities or are able to witness the best athletes compete there during a major championships.
“Bid pledges made during the London 2012 campaign that an athletics track be retained as a legacy of the Olympics should be honoured and not forgotten.
The Olympic Park Legacy Committee is expected to decide at the end of the month between two proposals from English Premier League football clubs to take over the stadium after 2012.
It has been reported that West Ham United says it will retain the athletics track while Tottenham Hotspur plans on building a new venue without a running track on the Olympic Stadium site.
“Those voicing concerns about a multi-purpose stadium post-Olympics should consider venues such as the Stade de France, which has not only hosted a World Championships in Athletics and currently hosts the yearly Paris IAAF Diamond League meeting but has also seen a football World Cup final, two Champions League finals and a Rugby World Cup final played there,” said Wirz.