London's aspiration to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships has ended in disappointment, as Nairobi has been chosen to stage the global event. This marks a historic moment, as the Kenyan capital will be the first African city to host the championships.
World Athletics president Seb Coe also announced that Munich will host the 2031 World Athletics Championships. A source within the London bid team reportedly felt "gutted" by the outcome, having believed they presented a strong proposition.
Coe stated that all four bids, which also included Rome, were outstanding, making the decision challenging. He highlighted Nairobi's "compelling and an emotional bid," noting Kenya's strong athletics heritage and the city's dynamic nature. For Munich, Coe praised Germany's track record as a host for major athletics events and the strong support for the sport demonstrated in the city.