'Pretty Please' – Keely Hodgkinson Makes Emotional Plea to West Ham United Over London 2029 Bid

Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson has continued her plea to West Ham United to allow the United Kingdom to bid for the World Championships in 2029, with a pre-qualification deadline of October 1, 2025.

As of today, West Ham United remains firm in its refusal to vacate the venue for a three-week window in September 2029.

This refusal poses a significant threat to the bid as World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe insists the event must serve as a season-ending finale in September.

The club has maintained that it has a contractual priority to use the stadium for Premier League matches during the football season, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from the athletics community.

The world 800m bronze medallist recently went viral for mocking the club's trophy cabinet, arguing that the British athletics team would bring more medals to the stadium than West Ham has seen in its history.

She followed the message with another tweet, noting that she had been amused by the reaction online but stressed that, more importantly, bringing a global athletics championship back to London would be a huge boost for the sport.

The world indoor 800m champion explained that she had not expected such an opportunity to arise during her career (bidding to host 2029 World Championships), adding that the atmosphere created by home supporters would make it a special and memorable occasion for athletes.

Keely Hodgkinson also expressed frustration over the possibility of London being excluded from hosting, suggesting that financial and logistical considerations, particularly those linked to stadium usage, were being prioritised over the wider sporting experience.

“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. I didn't think we'd get the opportunity again during my career, the British crowd would fill it every day,” Keely Hodgkinson said.

“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. let us have this moment!!! pretty please🫶🏼🤝🤝🤝🤝💕💕💕💕.”

While the UK government and the London Mayor’s office have pledged millions in support for the bid, the standoff remains unresolved, with the official bidding deadline approaching.