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Keely Hodgkinson has humorously suggested that if London hosts the 2029 World Athletics Championships at the London Stadium, Team Great Britain will secure more medals there than West Ham United has trophies in the club’s entire history. This playful remark came in light of ongoing discussions about the stadium’s availability for the event.
The UK Government had previously confirmed its backing for London’s bid to host the World Athletics Championships, as well as the World Para Athletics Championships. If successful, the event would bring the championships back to the London Stadium, the home ground of Premier League side West Ham United. However, reports indicate that West Ham has not yet agreed to permit the stadium’s use for the championships.
West Ham has made clear that their contractual rights prioritize their matches throughout the football season, which could create scheduling conflicts since the World Athletics Championships typically take place in August or September, overlapping with the Premier League fixture list. The club recently reiterated to the media that their games will take precedence, a stance that some believe could hinder London’s ability to host the event.
Despite this tension, Hodgkinson took the situation in stride. Responding to speculation on social media that West Ham’s position might jeopardize London’s bid, she said, “The GB team will bring back more medals to that stadium than West Ham have seen in their entire history.” Hodgkinson, a Manchester United supporter herself, recently claimed her first World Indoor Championships 800m title in Poland, adding to her growing list of achievements. West Ham, conversely, has won nine major trophies to date, including three FA Cups and the 2022-23 UEFA Conference League title, but faces a challenging season currently sitting in the Premier League relegation zone.
The London Stadium, with a capacity of 62,500, was originally constructed for the 2012 Olympics and is owned by the London Legacy Development Corporation. Since West Ham’s move from Upton Park in 2016 under a 99-year lease paying £2.5 million annually, the venue has continued to host prominent athletics competitions such as the 2017 World Athletics Championships and Diamond League events
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