Segbastian Coe to run for top athletics job

LONDON - Agence France-Presse

London Olympics organizer Sebastian Coe yesterday confirmed reports saying he will run to become the next president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

The double gold medalist, now chairman of the London Olympic Organizing Committee, told the paper he wanted to take over the presidency after elections in 2015.

“I’d be happy to run my sport and that is the first time I’ve given that answer,” he told the Times of London. “I’m ready. I know how to do this. But we have a great president in the post, so it would be when he stands down.”

He faces competition from Ukraine pole-vault legend Sergei Bubka, who is also expected to run when current president Lamine Diack steps down in three years’ time.

Both men are IAAF vice-presidents and victory in the presidential race would hand the winner coveted membership of the International Olympic Committee.

Coe earlier told AFP he was experiencing a mixture of pride and expectation as the clock ticks down to the opening ceremony tomorrow.

“It’s a privilege to do the job,” the 55-year-old added. “What else would I want to be doing?”