Denise Lewis has hailed the "landmark decision" to award the 2017 World Championships to London.
Former Olympic champion delighted with 2017 decision
Denise Lewis has hailed the "landmark decision" to award the 2017 World Championships to London.
But the hard work starts now for the 2000 Olympic heptathlon champion.
Lewis was named as chairman of the Athlete Commission for London's bid last month and, along with vice-chairman and fellow former Olympic champion Jason Gardener, will form part of the organising committee.
The 39-year-old was also part of London's final presentation to the IAAF Council, with London beating rivals Doha by 16 votes to 10, and stressed how London would offer the "best conditions possible" for athletes to compete.
Planning
"My role was to make sure the athletes' voices were heard and now we can continue to build," Lewis said. "After 2012 we have a new focus and that makes me very happy.
"I have to listen to what the experts, former and current athletes, have to say and what they would like to see in London. That's what I have to do, make sure that it's implemented and the athletes' voices are at the centre of what we do next.
"It's about attention to detail and it's what makes the difference between a really good experience at a championships and a great experience. I think what we can deliver will be crucial for people to 2017 in London was fantastic, as it will be next year."
This year's World Championships in Daegu saw complaints about the standard of food in the athletes' village, but plans are already in place to ensure that does not happen in London.
Lewis, who won heptathlon gold in Sydney in 2000, added: "The team hotels will be 10 minutes from the stadium and the warm-up track right next to it.
"Beds will fit, something that wasn't always the case when I was competing. There will be a nutritionist and international chefs in every team hotel to ensure there is food for the athletes that is suitable and familiar to them.
"The climate and time of season is also when they are used to peaking. We believe London will offer competitors the best conditions possible."
