“The Entertainer” - Steve Ovett’s Top 5 Races

We compiled a highlight reel of 5 of Steve Ovett's greatest races.... Enjoy....

[@peterturnball8310]

'Entertainer' is exactly the right word for Steve Ovett. It was always more about winning races than world records - even though he broke plenty of them, and he'd sometimes take his foot off the gas in the home straight even when a record attempt was on. The rivalry with Seb Coe was a once in a lifetime sporting event, and what a period it was when they were continually breaking each other's world records. They were both at their prime at the Moscow Olympics, and one gold each was a fair result.

[@johnrogers2312]

I can still sense the thrill I had watching him kick for the front. A hero figure for many

[@markseeley8476]

One of my childhood heroes. Love Steve Ovett, he ran into railings while training in 1981 and suffered horrendous injury, but for that he would have continued picking up major Gold medals for years to come. He held Sussex age group records in multiple events for years. I broke his Triple Jump under 17 county record in 1985, still stands to this day. Rubbish claim to fame, but true

[@soulyrasheed]

he had even better races I can remember... effortless Oslo mile victory in '81, givin no f... about WRs and some 1500m (Budapest, Milano...) from early 80's as well as his best performance at longer distances beating Rono in his apex in '78 over 2 miles in WR time

[@siypic]

Ovett presses the "bye bye" button

[@martinhill9261]

One of the best middle distance runners in history.

[@nicknewsum1068]

I want my daughter to run like Steve Ovett

[@yellowfolder]

Ovett outran his hair

[@redd605]

I was wondering ,Coe victory over ovett at the 1984 Olympics, was it the first time he has beaten ovett over the distance of 800 m? Even thought ovett was ill.?

[@mcharrisment4765]

Do you mean the 1500 metres ?...

[@redd605]

@@mcharrisment4765 ovett beat Coe European championship 1978 and Olympic games 1980.

[@smudgersmith2650]

A top 5 without his greatest run in the 1978 1500 at the euro championship......really?