Sebastian Coe is currently a well-known politician, but politics is not the primary way that he has made a name for himself. A gifted track and field athlete, Coe won four Olympic medals during his reign at the top of this elite group of athletes. He won the gold medal in both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games. However, his real expertise shines through during middle-distance track events. In 1979, over the span of 41 days, he set a torrid pace en route to accomplishing three world records. He set a world record in the 800 metres in 1981, and that record stood all the way up until 1997.
Some might not realize this, but Sebastian Coe was an integral figure in helping London to secure its bid for the London 2012 Olympic Games. In May 2004, current chairman Barbara Cassani resigned, leaving the door open for Coe to step in. He took over for the second half of London’s bid procedures. Coe came through in the clutch, by all accounts, during an important IOC meeting in July 2005. On July 6th, London beat out the likes of Paris and Madrid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. This was tough competition to beat, but Coe was up to the challenge.
Many athletes find success during the Olympics, and then they are content to simply fade into the background. Sebastian Coe is the type of person who wants to make a difference for the rest of his life.