Seb Coe turned 70 last month and remains one of the most powerful figures in world sport. He is serving his third and final term as President of World Athletics, and the race to succeed him is already under way, with the vote set for the federation's Congress in Beijing in September 2027.
Long before the boardrooms, though, Coe was the most elegant middle-distance runner Britain has ever produced, a double Olympic 1500m champion and a serial world-record breaker. Discover more track legends in our athletics collection.
Sebastian Coe Fact File
| Full name | Sebastian Newbold Coe (Lord Coe) |
|---|---|
| Date of birth (age) | 29 September 1956 (age 70) |
| Place of birth | Hammersmith, London, England |
| Events | 800m, 1000m, 1500m and mile |
| Nationality | British |
| Current status | President of World Athletics (since 2015); IOC member (since 2020) |
| Coach | Peter Coe (his father) |
| Nickname | Seb |
Career History
| Year | Championship | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | European Indoor Championships, San Sebastián | 800m | Gold |
| 1978 | European Championships, Prague | 800m | Bronze |
| 1980 | Olympic Games, Moscow | 800m | Silver |
| 1980 | Olympic Games, Moscow | 1500m | Gold |
| 1984 | Olympic Games, Los Angeles | 800m | Silver |
| 1984 | Olympic Games, Los Angeles | 1500m | Gold |
| 1986 | European Championships, Stuttgart | 800m | Gold |
Major championship medals only, based on Olympic and European Athletics records. Coe's many world records, set mostly at invitational meetings, are covered below.
Early Years: A Runner Made in Sheffield
Born in Hammersmith, Seb grew up in Sheffield and joined Hallamshire Harriers at the age of 12. His coach from the very beginning was his father, Peter.
His first major title came at the 1977 European Indoor Championships in San Sebastián, where he led the 800m from the gun to win gold. A year later he took bronze in the 800m at the European Championships in Prague.
Start your own collection with our Sebastian Coe Olympics Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
Breakthrough: Three World Records in 41 Days
The summer of 1979 is the stuff of legend. In just 41 days Coe set world records in the 800m (1:42.33 in Oslo), the mile (3:48.95) and the 1500m (3:32.03 in Zurich). He was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year that December.
In 1981 he went even faster. On 10 June in Florence he ran 1:41.73 for the 800m, a time that was not bettered for 16 years, and he added world records at 1000m (2:12.18) and the mile (3:47.33). In total he set 12 indoor and outdoor world records.
Celebrate those golden summers with our Sebastian Coe Olympics Icon Frame Men's T-Shirt.
Defining Moments: Moscow, Los Angeles and Stuttgart
Coe's rivalry with Steve Ovett gripped Britain. At the 1980 Moscow Olympics he took silver in the 800m before winning gold in the 1500m. Four years later in Los Angeles he did it again: 800m silver, then 1500m gold, making him the only man to win the Olympic 1500m twice.
The one thing missing was a major outdoor 800m title. He put that right at the 1986 European Championships in Stuttgart, sweeping past Steve Cram on the final bend and holding off Tom McKean to take gold.
Wrap up warm in our Sebastian Coe Men's Hoodie.
Legacy: London 2012 and Beyond
After retiring from racing in 1990, Coe served as MP for Falmouth and Camborne from 1992 to 1997 and was made a life peer in 2000. He led London's successful bid for the 2012 Games and chaired the organising committee that delivered them, then became President of World Athletics in 2015.
Honours
Olympic Games
- 1500m gold: Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984
- 800m silver: Moscow 1980, Los Angeles 1984
European Championships
- 800m gold: Stuttgart 1986
- 800m indoor gold: San Sebastián 1977
- 800m bronze: Prague 1978
Awards and honours
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year (1979)
- BBC Lifetime Achievement Award (2012)
- Knighthood (2006 New Year Honours)
- Companion of Honour (2013)
- Life peer as Lord Coe of Ranmore (2000)
Away From the Track
Coe has spent his post-running life in public service and sports administration, from Parliament to chairing the British Olympic Association from 2012 to 2016. He is also Chancellor of Loughborough University, where he studied and trained, and he is married to Carole Annett.
FAQs
How old is Sebastian Coe?
Seb Coe was born on 29 September 1956, so he is 70 years old.
Where was Sebastian Coe born?
He was born in Hammersmith, London, and grew up in Sheffield.
What is Sebastian Coe doing now?
He is President of World Athletics, in his final term ending in 2027, and an IOC member.
Did Sebastian Coe run for IOC President?
Yes. He stood in the March 2025 election in Greece and received eight votes; Kirsty Coventry was elected.
How many world records did Sebastian Coe set?
He set 12 indoor and outdoor world records across the 800m, 1000m, 1500m and mile.
How many Olympic medals did Sebastian Coe win?
Four: 1500m gold and 800m silver at both Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984.
Shop the Sebastian Coe Collection
Pay tribute to a British great with our Sebastian Coe range.
Explore more Olympic heroes in our athletics collection, or create something personal with our custom name men's hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Daley Thompson's decathlon golds and Mo Farah's double-double.
0 commentaire