Sebastian Coe Biography

Sebastian Coe is a British former track and field athlete turned politician. Also referred to as Seb Coe or Lord Coe, he became the proud winner of four Olympic medals, including the 1500 metres gold medal at the Olympic Games in 1980 and 1984 during his career as an athlete. Coe loved running from a young age. As an active and athletic boy, he joined athletics team Hallamshire Harriers at the age of 12 and was initially coached by his father. He soon became a middle-distance specialist and caught the public’s attention in 1977 when he competed in the 800 metres at the European Indoor Championships in San Sebastian. Even though he missed the world indoor record, he was propelled to international recognition after the championship. During his running career, he developed intense rivalries with fellow Britons Steve Ovett and Steve Cram which attracted media attention for much of the 1980s. After retiring from sports, he ventured into politics and became a member of the parliament for the Conservative Party. He also served as a council member of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), and was eventually appointed vice president of the IAAF. He headed London’s efforts to bid for the 2012 Olympics and became the chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games after London’s bid was successful.