Talk of the 80s Coe 1989

[@emiliatwomey6814]

This is extraordinary interview....I love the openness honesty of seb....

[@sergelu]

This guy still has the second best time ever in the 1000m and is the third fastest performer in the 800m. 40+ years on. That is incredible

[@kennethlandau5396]

He’s the only double 1500m Olympic gold medalist

[@redrum4100]

Thanks Deano.

[@Patriot751]

What a gentleman, a humble guy !! A brilliant runner, one of a kind !!

[@TheSecondWitness]

Seb Coe earned selection to 1988 Olympics by mere fact he won in ‘80 and ‘84. The two time defending Olympic 1500 meter champion, and the British don’t run him? That’s a crime that we all have to live with.

[@anthonyquinn6009]

The selectors were in a no win situation. He ran so poorly in the trials not even qualifying for the final. Had he qualified for the final and finish even fourth as Ovett did, I think he would have been selected. Had he been selected after running so poorly in the trials and not even qualified for the final in Seoul, the selectors would have been slated also.

[@tomthumb3500]

Fair point but Eillot did earn and justify his selection.

[@jakehaymes4438]

Not true

[@KryptonitetoallBS]

@@anthonyquinn6009 Coe was coming back from injury and had breathing difficulties at the trials. As the double Gold medal 1500 metres Champion he should have been given time to prove his fitness and he was denied that by the selectors. By the time the Olympics came around Coe was running faster than the Gold Medal winning time. An exception should have been made for an exceptional athlete. No excuses.

[@anthonyquinn6009]

@@KryptonitetoallBS I'd forgotten all about my post which was two years ago. Re-reading it, I stand by it. If Coe had ran half-decently in the trials - namely getting to the final - as Ovett did, I would agree with you. He didn't,so I can understand why the selectors made the decision they did. Of course as it transpired Coe's form and fitness improved considerably after the trials and he was even better in 1989. Hindsight is easy though.

[@trwent]

A number of track and field athletes have gotten into politics after their athletic careers were over. Besides Coe, both Bob Mathias and Jim Ryun served several terms in Congress in the US. I am sure there are additional examples.