Sebastian Coe is eying the International Olympics committee presidency.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has revealed how competing against Kenyan athletes helped shape his career.
The Britton, who is vying for the International Olympic Committee presidency in the elections set for March, highlighted the tough challenge he encountered during his time as an athlete, especially against the Kenyan contingent known as for their world-beating heroics.
“Some of the toughest races that I have had have been against the likes of the greatest legendary Mike Boit and Paul Ereng and Nixon Kiprotich. All these athletes have been significant athletes in my career and have really created in large part the legacy that is so strong in Kenyan athletics,” Coe told Citizen TV.
Coe, who faces seven other candidates for the top seat, reiterated the urgency of instilling sports governance in Africa as part of his agenda if elected.
“Many conversations I’ve had with your political leadership in Kenya are really good sports policy; probably the best economic, health, social education policy you will ever have,” he explained.
“One of my ambitions, not just for Africa, but throughout the world, is that we raise sport higher on the government agenda, and our programs, like kids athletics, that engage thousands of young athletes, young people, throughout the course of the year, is a very good example of how we can impact, not just on finding the next Faith Kipyegon, but also in encouraging more young people to choose sport as a way of life and to choose health and fitness as a habit for life.”
The four-time Olympic medalist who also set multiple world records, maintained that he will advocate for equal representation.
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“I think amplifying the voices of Africa is hugely important, and yes I would agree there are elements where Africa is underrepresented, those that do represent Africa do an extremely good job.”
Six other candidates running for the IOC presidency include; Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr, Morinari Watanabe and Zimbabwean Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry, 41.
