London To Host 2017 World Athletics Champs

London has been selected to host the World Athletics Championships in 2017.

The international athletics governing body, the IAAF, awarded the competition to England's capital over Doha, the capital of Qatar.

The championships will be staged in London's Olympic Stadium.

Mayor Boris Johnson said the decision was a "major milestone" towards delivering the capital's legacy from the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Speaking from the IAAF's World Athletics Gala in Monaco following the announcement, he said: "Despite an excellent challenge from Doha, the London team put together a cracking bid which has paid off with this fantastic news.

"With the 2017 championships now in the diary next summer's London Games is just the start of a long and active life for our magnificent stadium.

"In addition to athletics it will host a variety of sports competitions including football as well as a range of other events from major concerts to community activities. I am absolutely thrilled for London."

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