White Elephant fears just 'bizarre', says Coe

Talk of the London Olympics leaving a 'white elephant' in the capital city is simply "bizarre", according to 2012 Games chief Sebastian Coe.

The double Olympic gold medallist tackled a London Assembly report raising concerns about the legacy of the Games head on.

"I find this a rather bizarre conversation," the 52-year-old said when asked about the 'white elephant' fears.

"The construction of our Games was predicated on a very simple concept. If you have an existing facility, use it. If you have the need to build new venues then build them in a way that they can be used afterwards. If you can't fit either one of those assignments then you build temporary. So that is what we've done."

A report from London Assembly's Economic Development, Culture, Sport and Tourism Committee noted the failure so far to attract an anchor tenant for the main stadium.

Rugby and football clubs have expressed interest, but have been put off by the organisers' commitment to retain an athletics track around the pitch.

"Without a credible anchor tenant to bring regular football into the park, there will be serious doubts as to the future financial viability of the venue," the report said.

But Coe bristled at that suggestion.

"When I sit here listening to any of the discussions about legacy I am heartened because actually we got there first and, secondly, if you are going to leave an 80,000-seater stadium in the centre of East London then you will have some serious legacy issues and that is why we wanted a (much smaller capacity) facility with track and field at the centre.

"Let me remind people that the last three editions of the Champions League final have all been played within the confines of a running track and I haven't noticed any lack of enthusiasm or atmosphere.

"Of course, we are going to make a 25,000-seater stadium work and if we can't we'd probably be the only city in the world who is not able to do that."