The IAAF has amended the timetable for  World Championships in London, following requests from the athletics federations of The Bahamas and South Africa.

The changes will give all athletes, and in particular stars South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk, and Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas. the opportunity of a 200m / 400m double.

The changes approved to the timetable of IAAF World Championships London 2017 (4 to 13 August) are as follows:

• Men’s 200m round 1 moved from day 5 (8 Aug) to day 4 (7 Aug)

• Women’s 200m round 1 moved from day 6 (9 Aug) to day 5 (8 Aug)

• Women’s 3000m steeplechase round 1 moved from day 5 (8 Aug) to day 6 (9 Aug)

IAAF President, Sebastian Coe commented: “This summer’s World Championships are close to my heart. 12 years ago London won the right to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. That decision led to the building of the Olympic Park and the stadium and a decision to keep the track after the Games. This in turn meant that London could bid for and host this summer’s championships. With just four months to go until competition begins, I look at the success story which is Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and am grateful to the LOC and so many other people for believing in and delivering this extraordinary legacy. I see a vibrant community space, the former athletes’ village redeveloped into housing and a series of world-class sporting venues being used by Londoners on a daily basis and hosting international sporting events. This was the dream we all had over a decade ago.

“I am also delighted that the Council today approved the 200m and 400m double. These double headers create great excitement among both athletes and fans.”