More sporting success for Birmingham as USA agree return visit

Birmingham’s visitor economy is in line for another multi-million-pound boost after the city clinched a new sporting deal.

Hot on the heels of the Müller Indoor Grand Prix, held at the Barclaycard Arena, USA Track & Field (USATF), the governing body for athletics in the US, has confirmed that it will use the city as its training base ahead of this summer’s IAAF World Championships in London.

The move is a repeat of the agreement secured ahead of the 2012 London Olympics. On that occasion the city hosted both the USA track and field and the Jamaican teams – including Usain Bolt – in a move that netted the city around £8m.

Cllr Ian Ward, deputy leader for Birmingham City Council said: “I am delighted that USATF are returning to the city and we look forward to supporting their final preparations ahead of the IAAF World Championships in London.

“The training camp will provide a valuable economic impact for the city, however what is equally important is that by visiting our city, and making use of our world-class sports facilities, these fantastic athletes will hopefully provide inspiration to young people from across Birmingham and beyond.”

Birmingham City Council will co-ordinate the camp, with staff working with a variety of partners to ensure that all of USA Track and Field’s training and accommodation needs are met.

Team USATF athletes may also take part in community events with clubs and young athletes. More details about these events will follow later.

Duffy Mahoney, USATF Chief of Sport Performance, said: “We are excited to confirm our return to Birmingham ahead of the IAAF World Championships in London. We have great memories of our camp in 2012, and know we’ll receive a warm welcome and will be treated well in Birmingham.”

Some of the American athletes expected to attend the training camp took part in Saturday’s Müller Indoor Grand Prix. USATF is also expected to send a large team to the IAAF World Indoor Championships Birmingham 2018, which take place at the Barclaycard Arena next March.

The University of Birmingham is also in discussions with the Jamaican team about a return visit.