WEST HAM’S hopes of making the Olympic Stadium their new home at the expense of London rivals Tottenham, have received a boost from a host of Olympic and Paralympic Champions.
In an open letter to the Olympic Park Legacy Company, signed by 16 former athletes including Dame Kelly Holmes, Roger Black, Steve Cram and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the legendary Britons urged the OPLC to fulfil their promise of an athletics legacy and ensure the running track at the Stadium remains in place after the 2012 Games.
While the Hammers have vowed to keep the track in place, Tottenham plan to remove it due to concerns its presence would have an adverse affect on the matchday atmosphere.
The letter states: “As Olympians we are all ardent sports fans and that is why we believe the Olympic legacy HAS to be The Olympic Stadium complete with track.
It would be unacceptable for the stadium to lose the track and effectively become an Olympic Stadium with NO Olympic connection or legacy.
“We urge the decision makers in this process to ensure the track remains post 2012 and bring to life a sporting promise made to a whole community for generations to come.”
The OPLC are due to make their final decision before summer 2011.
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