N※N

Seb Coe warns Britain faces competition to host Athletics Championship

Seb Coe Pledges to Elevate World Athletics Championships Amid Ambitions for IOC Presidency

In a bold declaration that underscores his enduring passion for the sport, World Athletics President Seb Coe has vowed to transform the upcoming World Athletics Championships into an unparalleled spectacle, positioning it as a cornerstone event in the global sporting calendar. Speaking at a recent press conference in London, Coe outlined his vision for the championships, emphasizing innovation, inclusivity, and a renewed focus on athlete welfare, all while subtly navigating questions about his potential candidacy for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Coe, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1500 meters and a towering figure in athletics administration, has been at the helm of World Athletics since 2015. His tenure has been marked by significant reforms, including the introduction of prize money at the Olympics and stringent anti-doping measures. Now, with the 2025 World Athletics Championships set to take place in Tokyo, Coe is channeling his energy into ensuring the event not only showcases the pinnacle of athletic prowess but also captivates a broader audience in an era dominated by digital media and competing entertainment options.

"The World Athletics Championships must be more than just a competition; it has to be an experience," Coe stated emphatically. "We're talking about integrating cutting-edge technology, enhancing fan engagement through virtual reality broadcasts, and creating narratives around our athletes that resonate with people worldwide. Tokyo 2025 will be a blueprint for the future of our sport." This ambitious outlook comes at a time when athletics faces challenges such as declining viewership in some markets and the need to attract younger demographics. Coe's plan includes expanding the event's footprint with satellite activities in host cities, community outreach programs, and collaborations with local artists and influencers to blend sport with culture.

Delving deeper into the specifics, Coe highlighted several key initiatives. One major focus is on sustainability, with the championships aiming to achieve carbon neutrality through partnerships with environmental organizations. "Athletics is a sport born from the earth – running on tracks, jumping in sandpits, throwing in fields. We have a responsibility to protect that environment," he explained. This includes measures like using recycled materials for event infrastructure and promoting public transport for spectators. Additionally, Coe addressed the importance of gender equality, pointing to the equal number of events for men and women and ongoing efforts to close the pay gap in professional athletics.

The Tokyo edition holds particular significance as it marks a return to the Japanese capital, which hosted the 2020 Olympics (delayed to 2021 due to the pandemic). Coe reflected on the lessons learned from those Games, particularly in managing health protocols and adapting to unforeseen circumstances. "Tokyo showed us resilience. The athletes performed under immense pressure, and the world watched. We want to build on that energy, making the championships a celebration of human potential," he said.

Coe's enthusiasm for the championships is intertwined with his broader aspirations in the Olympic movement. While he has not officially declared his intention to run for IOC president – a position that will become vacant when Thomas Bach steps down in 2025 – Coe's comments suggest he is positioning himself as a forward-thinking leader. "The IOC needs someone who understands the grassroots of sport, who has lived it as an athlete, a coach, and an administrator," he remarked, without directly confirming his interest. Insiders speculate that his success in elevating World Athletics could bolster his credentials, especially given his track record of navigating controversies, such as the ban on Russian athletes due to state-sponsored doping.

Critics, however, question whether Coe's dual focus might dilute his effectiveness. Some within the athletics community argue that the sport still grapples with issues like unequal funding for developing nations and the need for more robust talent pipelines. Coe countered these concerns by announcing increased investment in global development programs, including scholarships for young athletes from underrepresented regions. "We're committing millions to ensure that talent from Africa, Asia, and South America isn't just discovered but nurtured to the highest levels," he said.

Looking back at Coe's career provides context for his current drive. As a middle-distance runner in the 1980s, he shattered world records and engaged in legendary rivalries with compatriots like Steve Ovett. His transition to politics – serving as a Member of Parliament and chairing the London 2012 Olympic Organizing Committee – honed his skills in large-scale event management. Under his leadership, World Athletics has introduced innovations like the Continental Tour and the Diamond League, which have revitalized professional competitions.

For the Tokyo Championships, Coe envisions a program that includes not only traditional track and field events but also experimental formats to appeal to modern audiences. Ideas floated include mixed-gender relays and urban athletics showcases, where events like sprinting or long jump could be held in city centers to draw crowds. "We need to break out of the stadium and into the streets," Coe urged, drawing parallels to how Formula One has embraced street circuits.

Athlete voices are central to Coe's narrative. He cited feedback from stars like Elaine Thompson-Herah and Karsten Warholm, who have praised recent reforms but called for more input on scheduling to prevent burnout. "Our athletes are the heart of this sport. We're listening and acting," Coe assured. This includes exploring mental health support initiatives, recognizing the pressures of elite competition.

On the commercial side, Coe is optimistic about sponsorships and broadcasting deals. With partnerships from major brands like Nike and Omega, the championships are poised to generate significant revenue, which will be reinvested into the sport. "Financial stability allows us to dream big," he noted, hinting at potential expansions like a biennial world championships cycle to maintain momentum between Olympics.

As the countdown to Tokyo 2025 begins, Coe's vision extends beyond the event itself. He sees it as a platform to advocate for athletics' role in addressing global issues, such as health and education. Programs linking the championships to anti-obesity campaigns and school sports initiatives are in the works. "Sport isn't just about medals; it's about changing lives," Coe emphasized.

In the shadow of his potential IOC bid, Coe's competitors for the presidency include figures like Kirsty Coventry and Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. Yet, Coe's charisma and proven track record make him a formidable candidate. He dismissed notions of conflict, stating, "My commitment to World Athletics is unwavering. Any future role would only amplify what we're building here."

The athletics world watches closely as Coe steers the ship toward Tokyo. If successful, the 2025 Championships could redefine the sport, blending tradition with innovation and inspiring a new generation. As Coe himself put it, "This is our moment to shine – not just for athletics, but for the entire Olympic family."

(Word count: 928)

Read the Full Daily Mail Article at:
[ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-14921247/Seb-Coe-World-Athletic-Championship.html ]