Sebastian Coe is the UK’s most prolific world record setter and one of its greatest runners.
His career began with a breakthrough in 1977 when he won the 800m at the European Indoor Championship. From there, Coe went on to break a series of world records. In 1980, he secured his first Olympic gold in the 1,500m at the Moscow Games.
Four years later, he repeated this success at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. His fierce rivalry with Steve Ovett not only captivated the nation but also defined an era in athletics. In total, Coe set 12 middle-distance world records, solidifying his place as a household name.
After retiring from athletics in 1990, Coe transitioned into politics. He became the Conservative MP for Falmouth and Camborne in 1992. During his five-year term, he served as Private Secretary to Opposition Leader William Hague. Then, in 2000, he was appointed a life peer as Lord Coe of Ranmore.
In 2005, Coe took on a new challenge—leading London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Under his leadership, the Games went on to become one of the most acclaimed in history. Following this achievement, he served as Chairman of the British Olympic Association until 2016.
Lord Coe was elected President of World Athletics (formerly the IAAF) in 2015, having served as Vice President since 2007. In his speeches, Coe draws on his rich experiences—sharing stories from his athletic career, his time in Parliament, and his leadership roles in global sport.
Through his wit and insight, he delivers powerful lessons on strategy, resilience, and the art of guiding major organisations through times of change.
