Birmingham’s ambition to replace London as the new home of elite athletics in the UK could be undermined by a decision by Birmingham City Council to install a cheaper track at the Alexander Stadium.
UK Athletics remains in discussion with the London Legacy Development Corporation about terminating its 50-year agreement with the London Stadium, now home to West Ham United, in exchange for a pay-out thought to be about £15 million.
But the track installed for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and this weekend’s Diamond League event, is below what even the American manufacturer refers to as “Olympic” standard. Indeed, it is inferior to the surface the same company has installed in Eugene, Oregon, for this summer’s World Athletics Championships.
Council officials have overseen
