Seb Coe 1980 - Weltklasse,Zurich.1500 metres (3.32.19)

Just twelve days after his 1500 metre victory at the Moscow Olympics Coe lined up against many of the top middle distance runners of the day who had been unable to run in Moscow due to the boycott. Although he missed his world record by less than a fifth of a second it was his blistering speed over the final 100 metres that still astonishes.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Seb Coe
• Sebastian Coe
• Weltklasse
• Zurich
• 1980
• 1500 metres
• Athletics
• Track and Field
• John Walker
• Eamonn Coghlan
• Ray Flynn
• Filbert Bayi
• Steve Scott

[yellcarreon]

if coe dived towards the finish line, instead of lean backwards, i think he wouldve set a new WR. but, an epic race indeed considering the depth of the line up. you cant assemble the same magnitude of stars during these days....classic!

[fitzieo1]

Great race, I know the record wasn't broken, 1976 olympic champion,1980 olympic champion & Bayi who couldn't run in 1976 all in this race,Coe's sprint finish was blistering, great days.

[deano27671]

Great days! It's a shame that 3rd lap dropped in pace so dramatically. It allowed the rest of the pack to get back on terms and made Coe decide to not go all out for the WR on the last lap, but rather win the race with a last 100m kick. The editor of Athletics Weekly at the time, Mel Watman, had predicted before the race that Coe would run 3:28! In actual fact Coe was not at his best here and was running with a back problem (sciatica) which forced him to end his season 2 days later.

[ollie705]

Epic race. thanks