"I would like to support the campaign to keep athletics in the Stockholm
Arena.  It is a magnificent and historic stadium and I have enjoyed running
there.  I hope to see athletics in this stadium for many years to come."

Usain Bolt


"I couldnt't be more surprised when I heard about the idea changing one of
my favourite athletic arenas into football-only stadium... Surprised and
very sad.

Suddenly the flashbacks from the past are crossing in front of my eyes. One
perfect night, one perfect jump - my all time best result. I was enchanted
by the atmosphere, touched by the support of the Swedish crowd, enjoying
myself completely in the ambience of an old traditional but beautiful
stadium. Some magic force pushed me more and more, until I reached the sky
while I was flying over 207. One of my best memories, that's for sure !

It would be a shame not to be able to return to that place and try to
rewrite the history. Who knows, maybe Stockholm arena is designated to 'see'
even higher jumps. Don't take that away from us!"

Blanka Vlasic

"There are very few stadiums that can re-create the atmosphere of the
Stockholm Olympic Stadium. As an athlete it is always motivating to run in a
stadium so rich with history. I always run really well there because the
fans are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. After the DN Galan meeting each
year I go out and watch the young kids compete in the stadium and I think it
would be a great injustice to the future of Swedish track and field if they
got rid of the track! I look forward to visiting and competing again this
year and many years to come."

Sanya Richards

"I have great memories from competing in Stockholm over the years.  My first
competition in the Stockholm stadium, I had the opportunity as a very young
sprinter to compete against Calvin Smith was my idol growing up.  One of my
most memorable moments in Stockholm was running 19.77 seconds, a stadium
record, in 1996 in my final race in preparation for the 1996 Olympics in
Atlanta, where I went on to lower the world record for 200 meters and
complete the historic 200/400 meter double.  It was always special to
compete in the Stockholm stadium because of the history associated with it,
especially the 1912 Olympics."

Michael Johnson

"Stockholm Arena is a historical stadium in Athletics, it is also my favorite
arena in Europe to run at. I have ran my 2nd fastest time in that Stadium. I
am looking forward to running more fast times in the arena."

Jeremy Wariner

"Of all the athletics stadiums in Europe, Stockholm is my favorite. When you
walk into the stadium you feel such a sense of history. I think of all the
great races that have been there before and I am inspired. Athletics is the
sport that built the stadium and it should always remain, to take it away
would be nothing short of a tragedy."

Asafa Powell