Ethiopian endurance running legend Haile Gebrselassie, has been unveiled as an official bid ambassador and member of the Athlete Commission for London’s bid to host the 2017 IAAF World Athletics Championships. The prolific Olympic and World gold medalist will draw on his years of competing at world level to provide valuable insight from his experiences as an athlete in guiding London’s bid and advising the Commission led by Denise Lewis.  

Haile Gebrselassie said:  “I have competed and trained in London for many years and always had great support from the public and the athletics family in the UK. I am planning to compete in London in 2012 and by being part of the extended bid team hope to enable future Ethiopian athletes to have the same great experiences in the Olympic stadium in front of a London crowd in 2017.”

Ed Warner UKA Chairman said: “Haile is one of the greatest ever athletes and has always spoken of how much he enjoys competing in London. To have him backing London 2017 is a huge boost for us, but what is more essential is the insight he can provide as part of the Athletes Commission. We have always said our London 2017 bid would be athlete centred and with the input of incredible athletes like Haile and under Denise Lewis’ leadership the Commission can ensure we deliver that commitment.”

The London 2017 bid, which has been put together by UK Athletics, DCMS, the Mayor of London, London & Partners and UK Sport, will be looking to secure the votes of the 27 IAAF Council Members before the decision on who will host the Championships is made on November 11^th.