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A group of athletes has expressed strong support for hosting a future Olympic Games in the north of England, highlighting the region’s “world-class venues” as a foundation to build upon the legacy left by London 2012. They emphasize that the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Association’s multi-city model makes the idea of a distributed Games more practical and achievable than ever before.
In their statement, the athletes describe a “Great North” Games as a unifying event for the entire nation. They stress that such a Games would bring the country together around a shared goal and provide an opportunity to display the best of Great Britain to the world. The athletes further suggest that staging the Games in the North of England in 2040 could serve as a symbol of renewal and confidence for the whole United Kingdom. Emphasizing their endorsement, they add, “We are proud to add our voices to this vision and to support a Northern Games that would inspire generations to come.”
Notable former athletes, including ex-gymnast Beth Tweddle, as well as Sir Brendan Foster, Steve Cram, and Allison Curbishley, have also signed the statement in support of the proposal. Earlier this year, a coalition of northern political leaders urged the government to ensure any future Olympic bid is centered in the region, arguing that there is a “compelling” case for this approach.
Kim McGuinness, the North East Mayor, reinforced the significance of the athletes’ backing and the powerful impact of the Games. She remarked, “The support of athletes who have represented Great Britain on the biggest stage of all is hugely significant. They understand better than anyone the power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire, unite and transform lives.” She added that a Great North Olympics would serve as a global platform, driven by the pride and participation of northern communities, leaving a lasting legacy of prosperity, unity, and renewal. Despite this growing movement, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan criticized the government’s plans, warning that excluding the capital from bidding considerations would be “a missed opportunity.
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