Sadiq Khan plans London’s bid for 2040 Olympics, aiming for fourth Games

Mayor Sadiq Khan envisions London bidding for the 2040 Olympics, using the 2029 World Athletics Championships as a springboard.

The Olympics logo displayed on Tower Bridge in London. (c) Planet One Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced his ambition for the British capital to become the first city in history to host the Olympic Games four times. In an interview with The Times on Monday, Khan shared that he hopes to submit a bid for the 2040 Summer Olympics, with the 2029 World Athletics Championships serving as a crucial step toward achieving this long-term goal.

Khan, who has served as mayor since 2016, envisions that the 2029 World Athletics Championships will ignite widespread enthusiasm and investment in track and field sports, creating momentum toward a successful Olympic bid. The 54-year-old Labour mayor is confident that London, having previously hosted the Games in 1908, 1948, and 2012, has the infrastructure, legacy, and energy required to hold the Games once again.

"The 2012 Olympics were an incredible success, and London has since retained some of the most iconic sporting venues, such as the Aquatics Centre and the Olympic Stadium, which is now home to West Ham United," Khan explained. "I want to see London become the first city to host the Games four times, and I believe a successful bid for the World Athletics Championships in 2029 can set the stage for that."

While Los Angeles and Brisbane are confirmed to host the 2028 and 2032 Olympics, and there are rumors that Saudi Arabia may make a bid for 2036, Khan believes that London can build on the legacy of its 2012 success and continue its tradition of Olympic excellence. "Paris showcased an incredible transformation last year, and while they did an amazing job, I believe London can surpass them when it comes to hosting the Games," he said.

The eastern part of London, which played a central role in the 2012 Olympics, still boasts several of the venues that made the event memorable, including the Olympic Stadium, now home to West Ham, and the Velodrome. "We already have world-class facilities in place, and we could host events outside London too. London can be a hub for the Games," Khan added, emphasizing his vision of making the 2040 Olympics the "greenest Games ever."

However, before London can bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, Khan would need the support of the UK government, which would need to contribute £45 million ($60 million, €53 million) to submit a formal expression of interest to World Athletics in September. Although the financial commitment may seem steep, Khan is confident that the benefits of hosting such prestigious sporting events will outweigh the costs, citing the economic and cultural dividends that London’s previous events have brought to the city.

"I've had some positive talks with the government about this bid," Khan said. "The challenge has been the previous government’s lack of interest in the importance of bringing major sports events to the UK. But now, with a Labour government in place, I am optimistic that we can make the case for the 2029 Championships and the subsequent Olympic bid."

To bolster his position, Khan referenced the 2024 Major Sports Events Impact Report for London, which he commissioned. The report underscores the significant financial and cultural benefits that sports events can bring to the country, including tourism, business opportunities, and the enhancement of London’s global image. "The report confirms what we already know: that sports events can provide huge dividends to our country," Khan explained. "It’s not just about the economic impact, but also the soft power of London on the global stage and the inspiration it provides to the next generation."

For Khan, the broader vision extends beyond merely securing the 2029 World Athletics Championships or the 2040 Olympics. His goal is to ensure that London remains a global leader in sports and continues to inspire young people to engage in physical activities and pursue their dreams. "Through these events, we aim to show the world what’s possible, both in sports and in life," he said.

As the mayor’s office works to rally support for the bid, Khan remains optimistic about the future. London’s sporting infrastructure, coupled with the city’s rich history of hosting successful events, makes it a strong contender for future Games. With a clear strategy in place and a compelling argument based on both economic benefits and cultural influence, Khan is laying the groundwork for a bid that could ultimately see London make history as the first city to host the Summer Olympics four times.

Looking ahead, the 2029 World Athletics Championships will serve as a crucial test for Khan’s plans. The event will not only showcase London’s capability to host top-tier sporting events but will also demonstrate the city’s ability to leverage its existing venues and resources to create an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike. If successful, the bid will provide the momentum needed to propel London’s bid for the 2040 Olympics, with the world watching closely as the city strives to achieve what no other has before.

As the campaign heats up, Khan’s vision for London as the hub of global sports will continue to inspire not just those in the sporting world, but also the young athletes and future champions who look to London as a beacon of opportunity and excellence.