Keely Hodgkinson aims dig at 'rattled' fans as emotional plea issued

Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson has intensified her campaign for the London Stadium to stage the 2029 World Athletics Championship, taking aim at West Ham for their opposition to the bid. The Premier League club has signalled it may block the three-week event scheduled for September 2029, citing concerns about being forced out of their home ground during the football season. With an April 3 deadline looming for initial submissions to World Athletics, the dispute threatens to derail London's chances of hosting the global competition. The 24-year-old 800m specialist first sparked the row earlier this week with a pointed social media post, before elaborating further on her position. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Hodgkinson's initial jab suggested British athletes would "bring back more medals to that stadium than West Ham have seen in their entire history." She then followed up with a more detailed argument on X, writing: "Thoroughly enjoyed the rattled comments under this, but in all seriousness, to have a global championships back in London would be incredible for our sport." The Olympic gold medallist added: "I didn't think we'd get the opportunity again during my career, the british crowd would fill it everyday." She criticised the football club's stance, stating it "seems silly for London to be taken out of the running, over a football team not compromising on a stadium they pay RENT for when it's only a few extra away games, everything's always all about money and never moments." The London Stadium was purpose-built as an athletics venue for the 2012 Olympic Games before West Ham secured it as their home ground four years later. LATEST SPORTS NEWS: Gerwyn Price releases furious statement after Luke Littler Premier League defeat Thomas Tuchel 'disappointed' as England fans boo Three Lions star in Uruguay World Cup warm-up Imane Khelif shares video that speaks volumes after IOC move to protect women The Hammers signed a 99-year lease with Greater London Authority Holdings Limited, and maintain that their agreement grants them priority access during the football season. Club sources have privately indicated they are prepared to pursue legal action to defend their position if required. The bid faces additional pressure as any shift away from World Athletics' preferred September dates could benefit rival candidates Rome and Munich, despite the UK government backing London's submission. West Ham have previously vacated the venue for summer events including concerts and Diamond League athletics, but have never departed mid-season for an extended period. Hodgkinson, who would be 27 when the championships take place, recently demonstrated her world-class form by claiming the women's 800m title at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Her victory formed part of a remarkable spell for the British squad, who secured three gold medals within 28 minutes through Georgia Hunter Bell in the 1,500m and Molly Caudery in the pole vault, with Josh Kerr adding a fourth gold in the men's 3,000m. West Ham have maintained they remain engaged in "constructive dialogue" with London Stadium officials regarding potential dates for the proposed bid. However, the club emphasised that "any decisions remain subject to the club's overriding priority clause, a contractual right ensuring West Ham United games take priority during the football season." Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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