André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Monte Carlo, Monaco:

Just hours before a decision is made on which of the two bidding cities will host the 2017 IAAF World Championships in Athletics, London's bid team has labelled their proposal as the 'athletes' choice', pointing to over 100 endorsements from international athletes, agents and track and field insiders at a press conference at the Fairmont Hotel yesterday.

London is in a close battle with Doha for the right to be named as 2017 World Championships host, but according to chairman of the Bid Committee, Ed Warner, London not only represents what the athletes themselves want, but also a tremendous commercial opportunity for the IAAF.

The IAAF Council is expected to make its decision by 10:30 a.m. today (Jamaica time) and London's message is clear, "Listen to the athletes."

"The race for the 2017 IAAF World Championships has gathered real pace over the past few weeks and it's important for our sport globally that it has the attention that the world is showing it," said Warner yesterday. "There are two excellent bids, we have enjoyed the contest with Doha and there is clearly a very interesting choice for the IAAF Council to make and I think it's very healthy for the sport globally."

Former legends such as Edwin Moses, world record holders like Jonathan Edwards and previous world champions, including Steve Cram and Sally Gunnell, have all stepped in to support London 2017.

They are joined by current day legends such as Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele, and reigning world champions from the UK - Mo Farah and Dai Greene - and overseas in the shape of Carmelita Jeter and Tatyana Chernova.

The three shortlisted women for IAAF Athlete of the Year, Valerie Adams, Vivian Cheruiyot and Sally Pearson have also spoken out in favour of London.