Los Angeles, 11 August 1984, Games of the XXIII Olympiad. Men's athletics: Sebastian COE celebrates his victory in the 1500m final raising a British flag. Credit: Getty Images/CANNON DavidBorn: 29 September 1956
Birthplace: London (Great Britain)
Nationality: Great Britain
Sport: Athletics
ATTENDANCE AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Moscow 1980
Los Angeles 1984
AWARDS
Olympic medals:
Gold: 2
Silver: 2
Details
Other results:
European Championships
Gold: 1 (86)
Silver: 2 (82,86)
Bronze: 1 (78)
European Indoor Championships
Gold: 1 (77)
The Only Man to Win the 1,500m Twice
Sebastian Coe arrived at the 1980 Moscow Olympics as the world record holder and favourite at 800m. However he ran what he called "the worst race of my life" and finished second behind compatriot Steve Ovett. Six days later, a determined Coe redeemed himself in the 1,500m. During the final curve, he drove past Jürgen Straub and won the gold medal by four metres. Coe weakened dramatically in 1983 and finally underwent surgery for removal of a lymph node. To the surprise of many observers, he regained his world-class form in time for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Coe won another silver medal in the 800m. Five days later, he entered the final of the 1,500m, where the favourite was his teammate, Steve Cram. As he did in Moscow, Coe sprinted into the lead in the final turn. This time he pulled away from Cram to win by six metres. Sebastian Coe is the only male runner to win the Olympic 1,500m twice.
