Chatting with Lord Sebastian Coe: President of World Athletics

Lord Sebastian Coe. Photo Courtesy of Moritz Hager, Wikimedia Commons

Lord Sebastian Coe serves as the President of World Athletics. He chatted about his latest accolades and furnished his advice for young and aspiring track and field athletes.

2024 Armory Presidents Award recipient

On Sunday, February 11, Lord Sebastian Coe received the Armory Presidents Award at the Millrose Games, which were held at The Armory in New York for his contributions to the sport as an ambassador an leader in his current role as the President of World Athletics, the sport’s international governing body.

He was honored alongside Olympic silver medalist Cheryl Toussaint, who is the Meet Director of the Colgate Women’s Games.

On earning the Armory Presidents Award, he said, “I am really flattered. This is a terrific honor in front of some of the most knowledgeable track and field fans in the world.”

“The Armory Foundation has contributed so much to our sport in one of most iconic of our indoor meets, not just in the U.S. but anywhere in the world, so what’s not to like,” he added.

Olympic career, awards, and accolades

In his Olympic career, he won two gold medals in the 1,500 meter races at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics, as well as two silver medals in the 800 meter races at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics respectively. “Well, I got by,” he said with a sweet laugh. “On the days that mattered, I sort of came through.”

“I owe everything to my coaches and the backroom team as every athlete in this competition would tell you. We are only as good as the coaches and the people around us,” he said.

In 2000, he was created a Life Peer as Baron Coe. He was subsequently made a Knight Commander of the British Empire (KBE) in the 2006 for his services to sport.

In 2013, Coe was appointed a Companion of Honour (CH) for his services to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Advice for young and aspiring track and field athletes

For young and aspiring track and field athletes, he said, “Nothing great in track and field happens overnight. Take your time, find the right coach, and stick with the coach.”

“Recognize that some years you have better days in the office than others, but it’s the totality in what you do over the period with which you do it, and how you come back from disappointment,” he acknowledged.

“Winning is the easy thing, losing is harder than that, and bouncing back is even harder,” he added.

To learn more about Lord Sebastian Coe, follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

For more information on World Athletics, check out the official website.