The IAAF has given back Grand Prix status to Britain's two showcase summer meetings. The move followed meetings last week between IAAF President Dr Primo Nebiolo and David Hemery and David Moorcroft, of UK Athletics.
The Sheffield meeting on Aug 7 is restored as a Grand Prix I fixture while the meeting in Gateshead, on June 27, is a Grand Prix II.
In a hand-delivered letter to Hemery, Nebiolo said: "I do recognise the
extraordinary circumstances which athletics faced in the UK last year and I have tried to
offer my personal support. We believe Great Britain does deserve some exceptional
consideration in this case."
Hemery welcomed the news, saying: "This is a great boost for the sport in Britain and
I am delighted that Dr Nebiolo has shown consideration to athletics in this country at
such a critical time."