The Commission, which has one senior athlete representative from each of the 35 Olympic sports, issued the rallying call following its most recent meeting.
BOA Athletes’ Commission chair, Guin Batten, said: “As athletes we understand the enormous impact the experience of the Olympics can have on an athlete’s life. It would be fantastic to share the magic of the Games with the people of the UK. We know the success of any Olympics rests on the shoulders of the volunteers in the host country, the British people have the spirit and enthusiasm to make a British Games the best ever.
“The results at the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games clearly demonstrated the impact of competing in your home nation and the motivation benefit of having the opportunity of competing in London is immeasurable. We urge the government to support a London Bid for 2012.”
Added Simon Clegg, the chief executive of the BOA: “I am delighted that the athletes have voiced their opinion on this matter so strongly and so unanimously. The athletes clearly understand the benefits of home country advantage as well as the long term legacy issues.”
The British Olympic Association's Athletes’ Commission has unanimously backed calls for the UK government to get behind the campaign for London to bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
