Lord Sebastian Coe

President of World Athletics, Record Breaking Middle-Distance Runner, Olympic Champion & Reciever of a Lifetime Achievement Award

Lord Sebastian Coe’s Biography:

Sebastian Coe, Baron Coe, is President of World Athletics and one of the most influential figures in global sport. A double Olympic champion and former world record holder in middle-distance running, he represented Great Britain with distinction, winning four Olympic medals, including 1500m gold in both 1980 and 1984. His career seamlessly transitioned from elite athletics to sports leadership, where he has shaped international sport policy, governance and major global events.

Sebastian first rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s as one of the world’s greatest middle-distance runners. During his athletic career, he set multiple world records across 800m, 1000m, 1500m and the mile, redefining what was possible in endurance and tactical racing. His fierce rivalry with fellow British athlete Steve Ovett captivated global audiences and helped elevate athletics to new levels of popularity. His sporting achievements earned him widespread recognition as one of Britain’s greatest Olympians.

After retiring from competition, Sebastian built a distinguished career in politics and sports administration. He served as a Member of Parliament for the Conservative Party and was later made a Life Peer in the House of Lords. In 2005, he led the successful bid for London to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and went on to chair the London Organising Committee. His leadership delivered one of the most celebrated Olympic Games in history, earning him national and international honours, including a knighthood and appointment to the Order of the Companions of Honour.

Sebastian has since held numerous senior international roles, including membership of the International Olympic Committee and serving as President of World Athletics. He was appointed Pro-Chancellor of Loughborough University and has been inducted into the World Athletics Hall of Fame. Recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards, he remains a global ambassador for sport, leadership and legacy.

Why Hire Lord Sebastian Coe?

Sebastian is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled experience spanning elite performance, global event leadership and international sports governance. From Olympic champion to architect of the London 2012 Games, he offers rare insight into leadership under scrutiny, strategic vision and delivering results on the world stage. His story bridges high-performance sport, politics and global administration, giving audiences lessons in resilience, teamwork and long-term legacy.

He has spoken at major international forums, including the 23rd EBU Sports Assembly, the European Athletics Convention, the IRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition and the IAAF/LOC Press Conference Portland 2016. Audiences value his authority, clarity and first-hand perspective on leading complex organisations and inspiring nations through sport.

Lord Sebastian Coe’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Lord Sebastian Coe’s inspirational career:

• 2025 – Presented the President’s Award at the World Athletics Awards, recognising outstanding global contributions to the sport and reinforcing his leadership role at the heart of international athletics.
• 2023 – Re-elected President of World Athletics, continuing to lead global reform, integrity initiatives and the future direction of international athletics.
• 2015 – Elected President of World Athletics (formerly the IAAF), becoming one of the most influential leaders in global sport governance.
• 2012 – Chaired the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, delivering the highly acclaimed London 2012 Games.
• 2012 – Received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards for his contribution to sport.
• 2007 – Appointed a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• 2005 – Led London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, defeating four major international rival cities.
• 2005 – Knighted for services to sport, recognising both his athletic and leadership achievements.
• 2000 – Created a Life Peer in the House of Lords, becoming Lord Coe of Ranmore.
• 1984 – Won Olympic gold in the 1500m at the Los Angeles Olympic Games, successfully defending his Olympic title.
• 1980 – Won Olympic gold in the 1500m at the Moscow Olympic Games, alongside an Olympic silver medal in the 800m.