Sporting Witness
Sporting Witness
Coe vs Ovett
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July 30, 2020
9 minutes
Available for over a year
At the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, the world was gripped by the intense rivalry between the British middle-distance runners, Sebastian Coe and Steve Ovett. Ovett won the 800 metres, which was Coe’s favourite distance; but just a few days later, Coe struck back by winning the 1500 metres, Ovett’s preferred event. Alex Capstick talks to Sebastian Coe, now Lord Coe, about his memories of the Moscow Games.
PHOTO: Sebastian Coe win the Olympic 1500 metres in 1980 (Getty Images)