BIRMINGHAM could welcome athletes from as many as nine countries for the 2012 Olympics, according to the city’s leisure boss.

The US track and field team is already coming to the city ahead of the London Games but Coun Ray Hassall said others could stay before and during Britain’s first Olympics in 60 years.

He said: “We can handle seven, eight or nine countries in Birmingham. We’ve got the facilities here. The word on the street for all the countries is that, if they want to come and locate here, they’re welcome.”

His comments followed a visit to the city earlier this week by Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee.

The legendary athlete hailed Birmingham as “one of the jewels in the crown” in the sporting world when he met members of the West Midlands Youth Parliament and toured the new £7.5 million Gymnastics and Martial Arts Centre, at Alexander Stadium.