Source: Daily_Mail
West Ham boosted in Olympic Stadium battle with Tottenham as UK Athletics back bid
West Ham's bid to take over the London Olympic stadium after the 2012 Games has received a major boost in the form of formal support by UK Athletics.[LNB]The Hammers, who have made a joint bid with Newham council, have committed to ensuring there is an athletics track as well as a football stadium.[LNB]It is a big blow to the rival joint bid from Tottenham and AEG, who had indicated a running track was not part of their future plans.[LNB] Eyes on the prize: The Olympic Stadium is taking shape in Stratford[LNB]UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner said: 'What has impressed me so much about the joint bid from West Ham and Newham is their clear commitment to the spirit of the Olympic legacy and not just athletics at the elite end, but with the retention of the community track, our future champions and club runners too.[LNB]'It was clear from the start that only a partnership approach would bring to life the vision Seb (Lord) Coe had when he committed to an athletics legacy in 2005 and we believe the collaboration of West Ham, Newham and UKA gives the strongest opportunity for a vibrant sporting legacy that will go well beyond 2012.'[LNB] Battle: Hammers chief David Gold and vice-chairman Karren Brady[LNB]West Ham have also made clear their support for hosting the 2015 world athletics championships at the stadium - London is bidding againstBeijing for the event.[LNB]Warner added: 'The team at West Ham have also been keen to support our bid to host the World Athletics Championships in 2015 at the stadium, fully understanding that a significant international event will play a major part in realising their ambition of a British sporting hub.'[LNB]Last week, AEG president Tim Leiweke said it would not make economic sense to keep the stadium geared up for athletics because of a small number of major events that could be staged at the venue.[LNB] How it will look: An artist's of how the stadium will sit in the new Olympic Park[LNB]West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: 'This is fantastic news. Webelieve ours is the only bid that can deliver London's legacy commitment to the International Olympic Committee. UKA's endorsement is apowerful and highly-valued testament of that.[LNB]'Our plan is not just to have a new stadium for West Ham but a real sporting centre for London and the rest of the country. We want to create a home of sport, featuring two of the greatest sports, football and athletics, side by side where they can grow and flourish together.[LNB] Back on track: West Ham's bid would assure an athletics legacy in Stratford[LNB]'UKA have been great in helping us develop that vision over the past eight months and, together with Newham Council, we are ideally placed to make our dream a reality.[LNB]'We now hope to move on and secure the stadium and enable world-class athletics to continue in east London beyond the Olympic Games - hopefully including the IAAF World Championships in 2015.'[LNB] EXCLUSIVE: Expect riots if Spurs move into 2012 stadium, warns SullivanHypocrites! West Ham blasted over 2012 row as Spurs confirm positionWest Ham will make Olympic Stadium best sports arena in England, says GoldHypocrites! West Ham blasted over 2012 row as Spurs confirm positionWEST HAM UNITED FC
