39 replies to this topic

[RobH]

Given the amount of noise Diak made about West Ham's proposal being the only one that he would accept because it would give London a chance to host a future world championship, I think London is in a very strong position for 2017.

The viability of the chosen legacy solution has to be proven to work; it's very much in the IAAF's interest to give it to London.

[Rafa]

how many more chances do you want?

He is African right? That must count in Durban's favour.

[RobH]

It's got nothing to do with how many chances we want. Sure, his being African could count in favour of Durban if they bid, but there's absolutely nothing inaccurate in what I said above either. The stadium legacy decision has put London in a strong position for 2017.

Incidentally, this was posted on the IAAF website:

"On behalf of the IAAF, I am delighted to see that the London Olympic Stadium will retain an athletics track and inspire future generations of athletes and athletics' fans in the UK.

"The Olympic Park Legacy Company has made a very wise decision which lives up to the promise made in Singapore 5 years ago, but will also demonstrate that top class football can co-exist happily with other sports.

"I have always said that Britain, whose history and legendary athletes have been an inspirational example, deserves a world class athletics venue.

"Now athletics can continue to thrive in the Olympic Park, long after the Olympic flame has gone out. "

Lamine Diack
IAAF President

They, more than anyone are in a position to prove "athletics can continue to thrive in the Olympic Park".

Edited by RobH, 13 February 2011 - 06:18 AM.

[dysan1]

RobH, on 13 February 2011 - 05:36 AM, said:

It's got nothing to do with how many chances we want. Sure, his being African could count in favour of Durban if they bid, but there's absolutely nothing inaccurate in what I said above either. The stadium legacy decision has put London in a strong position for 2017.

Incidentally, this was posted on the IAAF website:

"On behalf of the IAAF, I am delighted to see that the London Olympic Stadium will retain an athletics track and inspire future generations of athletes and athletics' fans in the UK.

"The Olympic Park Legacy Company has made a very wise decision which lives up to the promise made in Singapore 5 years ago, but will also demonstrate that top class football can co-exist happily with other sports.

"I have always said that Britain, whose history and legendary athletes have been an inspirational example, deserves a world class athletics venue.

"Now athletics can continue to thrive in the Olympic Park, long after the Olympic flame has gone out. "

Lamine Diack
IAAF President

They, more than anyone are in a position to prove "athletics can continue to thrive in the Olympic Park".

But continually pulling out and then still thinking it should be rightfully yours smacks of arrogance.

[RobH]

Dysan, you're disputing things I haven't said and putting words into my mouth. Please don't. I'm not saying the pull-outs won't necessarily be an issue and I'm certainly not saying it should rightfully be London's in 2017!!

What I am saying is the stadium desicion puts London in a strong position, espeically given the noise Diack made prior to it, and the statement released after it. I don't think there's anything controversial or arrogant in saying that, because it seems to me to be obviously true.

Edited by RobH, 13 February 2011 - 06:21 AM.

[The Tower Bridge Fox]

dysan1, on 13 February 2011 - 06:00 AM, said:

But continually pulling out and then still thinking it should be rightfully yours smacks of arrogance.

I think London should be rewarded for keeping the track
Its not arrogance we just had to sort out the legacy plan first ,
We could have taken another wrong turn like Wembley.

[RobH]

I don't think London should feel it should be rewarded for keeping a promise it made. But I do think - given the noises they've made - the IAAF will now feel some burden to prove that the promise was worth keeping.

[Rafa]

Well its a strong position because you can finally deliver a track and stick to that promise when bidding.

[Ripley]

Well if the IAAF shares any similarities with FIFA, then we (UK) should give up now. Its a shame that when it comes to Africa that nations like Kenya and Ethiopia, who have such an amazing athetics pedigree, arn't able to bid for this event. I wonder if other African nations will get p1ssed off with RSA bidding for and hosting events in the name of Africa?

[Rafa]

Its costs 45m pounds to host. Pay up if you want it.