London, Nov 27, 2014: Seb Coe, Vice President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has today announced that he is to stand for the position of President of the IAAF.
Coe, a double Olympic champion who led London’s successful 2012 Olympic and Paralympic bid, chaired the London 2012 Organising Committee, and has been a IAAF Vice President since 2007 [full biography below], also confirmed that he will unveil his election Manifesto and vision for Athletics and the IAAF in early December. IAAF Member Federations will vote to decide the President of the IAAF in August 2015 at its Congress in Beijing.
Speaking about his decision to stand for the position of IAAF President, Seb Coe said:
“For as long as I can remember, I have woken knowing that Athletics, in some way, would shape my day. As a young boy, running was the thing that I loved beyond anything else and I have been hugely fortunate that Athletics has been at the centre of my life ever since.
“As I speak to friends and colleagues around our great sport I appreciate that we are entering a very important time for Athletics and that it is the right time to open up a discussion about the future.
“That discussion needs to focus on how we build on the many achievements of recent years, recognise that we have new challenges in a new era and how we can tackle those challenges with vision and ambition. I believe I have something to offer to that debate and it is why I am today officially announcing my candidacy for the Presidency of the IAAF.
“Throughout all my sporting roles I have always put the interest of Athletics first and been independent enough to do the right thing for our sport. This will be my approach in the campaign and, in full partnership with the Member Federations, it will be the cornerstone of my Presidency if granted the great honour of being elected IAAF President.
“I will set out my detailed proposals for Athletics and the IAAF when I publish my Manifesto. It will highlight the importance of our sport embracing innovation and change as we move forward. I want us to have a renewed focus on engagement with young people and a real understanding of the global landscape that is shaping the next generation of athletes and fans.
“If we are guided by these principles as we review and reform our sport then I am convinced that Athletics can enter a new era with confidence and ensure a bright and exciting future.”
About Seb Coe:
Date of birth: 29 September 1956
Born: London – Father, British; Mother, Indian
Marital status: Married, 4 children
Sporting Career:
• English Schools Champion, 1972
• Great Britain International debut, 1976
• European Indoor 800m Champion, 1977
• Won Gold and Silver at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games in the 1500m and 800m respectively – a feat repeated in Los Angeles in 1984
• Set 12 world records during Athletics career – 800m, 1000m, 1500m and 1 mile
• World Cup Gold and Silver 1981 and 1989
• Retired from competitive Athletics in 1990
Sports administration:
• Member, IOC Athletes Commission [1981-89]
• Member, IOC Medical Commission [1990-92]
• IAAF Council Member [2003-current]
• IAAF Vice-President, [2007-current]
• Chairman, London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Bid Committee [2004-05]
• Chairman, London 2012 Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games [2005-2012]
• Chairman, British Olympic Association [2012-current]
• Member, IOC Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Coordination Commission [current]
• Chairman, IAAF Evaluation Commission for 2019 World Championships
• Chairman, Working Group on Youth, ANOC [current]
Professional Career:
• Member of British Parliament [1992-1997]
• Private Secretary, Leader of the Opposition, William Hague [1997-2001]
• Executive Chairman of CSM Sport & Entertainment [2013-current]
• Global Adviser, Nike [2002-current]
• Consultant, Chelsea FC [2011-current]
Charitable work:
• Chairman, International Inspiration [2013-current]
• Founder and Trustee, Sebastian Coe Charitable Foundation in partnership with Cancer Research (2013-current). By: Rob Fawdon
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