The swimming leg of the London 2012 Olympic triathlon has been confirmed for Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake.
Local officials have granted final permission for construction of fan seating and a pontoon – giving the green light for the event.
The area will hold seating for 3,000 spectators while fans will also be able to catch the action from many other spots in Hyde Park.
The triathlon begins with a 1.5km swim from the pontoon which will be on the north side of the Serpentine Lake.
The 40km cycle takes athletes out of the park through Queen Mother's Gate, through Wellington Arch, down Constitution Hill and on to Birdcage Walk in front of Buckingham Palace.
Finally, the 10km run is a four lap loop around the Serpentine before reaching the finish line.
Alastair Moss, chairman of Westminster Council's planning and city development committee says;
"Hyde Park will be a first-class backdrop for the triathlon and marathon swim as it will allow sports fans to get really close to the action as the athletes run, cycle and swim through the heart of our capital city.”
