London’s bid to host the IAAF World Championships beat Qatar’s by 16 votes to ten.

“I am delighted and extremely proud that my colleagues on the IAAF Council have entrusted London with the 2017 World Championships,” said Lord Coe, the man in charge of the bid. “It will be such an honour to host our sport’s showcase event in the Olympic Stadium and realise a personal and professional dream.”

One of the things that persuaded people to vote for London’s bid was the promise to pay for the whole £5m prize fund. The bid by Doha in Qatar had included this promise, so the London team decided to match it to get more votes.

Critics have said that the Olympic Stadium was a waste of money, because it wouldn’t be used to host athletics events after the Olympics. With the 2017 event confirmed, it is hoped that the stadium will now become a new home for major athletics events in the UK.

Lord Coe (below) is also the chairman of the organising committee for the 2012 Olympics. As a former athlete, he has been keen to see the UK become a force in track and field events again.