Confirmed: USA athletes to use Birmingham as base ahead of 2012 Olympics
US athletic officials have formally signed a deal to base the their track and field team in Birmingham ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
The deal, which will pump an estimated £9 million into the West Midlands economy, follows three years of negotiations between Birmingham City Council and representatives of USA Track and Field.
Council leader Mike Whitby said: "Attracting such a high-profile team to the city for 2012 is a massive coup and signing this deal is a major boost for the city of Birmingham.
"It will mean our city will be placed under intense worldwide media spotlight in the build-up to the Games and we can show the best that our city has to offer to the world."
