Today the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced that it had selected London as the host city for the 2017 World Athletics Championships, further cementing the lasting athletics legacy that will remain in the Park long after the 2012 Games are over.

Margaret Ford, Chairman of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, said:

“First of all I would like to congratulate Doha on an excellent bid.  They put in a superb challenge and both cities, win or lose, can be very proud.

“I am delighted that London has won.  This bid process has given us a chance to showcase London and show people the fantastic legacy that will result from the London 2012 Games.  We have always been committed to a lasting athletics legacy for the Olympic Stadium and being able to host the World Athletics Championships in 2017 is the icing on the cake.

“Not only can London look forward to the Games next year, it can be assured that plans to transform the Park after the Games are more advanced than any other host city.  We are set to deliver an exciting mix of new homes, jobs and leisure opportunities to sit alongside our world-class sporting venues.”