Legend Coe’s dream comes true

SEBASTIEN COE was in a unique position to chair the London 2012 bid — it was a wonder that the authorities took so long to realise it.

An Olympic great and a politician, and to boot a senior figure in the governance of world athletics, the man who was once simply 'Seb' also had the capital close to his heart.

Coe may have been raised in Sheffield, but his athletics club was Haringey, and his post-track career had led to Westminster.

Even though some mocked his political aspirations, whenever Coe has discussed athletics, the world has listened.

Before London 2012 was a twinkle in the eye of Ken Livingston and the British Olympic Association, Coe was warning of pitfalls and telling how they would be overcome.

It was Coe's dream then that London would stage the greatest sporting show on the planet. He was banging on doors at Westminster, seeking attention by chiding the attitude to sport. "I'm never quite sure whether sport is important enough to any government, and that's across the political board," said Coe.

"There's a little bit more to sport than receptions and welcoming conquering teams back. But I actually think that a bid for the Games in 2012 would be a good thing to do. I think we should put a bid together. Whether we will put it together in a way that's good enough to win is another question."

Today's declaration in Singapore by Olympic chief Jacques Rogge answered that question.

Coe had queried the "co-ordination and political will" of the failed bids by Birmingham and Manchester, and was abrasive in his criticism of the Picketts Lock farrago.

London would have been staging next month's World Athletics Championships but having won the rights it was the matter of having somewhere to stage them which proved a stumbling block.

Coe was introduced to his fellow speakers at a meeting in October 2001 as "someone from a country that can't build stadiums."

Who made the quip? Only Rogge.

So how has Coe won over not only the Belgian doctor but the IOC members, 54 of whom voted for London yesterday earning a narrow victory over Paris who polled 50.

His frankness has won many friends. After London admitted that it was in no position to host the 2005 World Championships, Coe said: "Few of us, even those hardened to British sport's ability to clutch defeat from the jaws of victory, were quite prepared for the muddle and confusion of the last two years."

He spoke angrily of the "fractured structure of British sport where you need so many different organisations all in a row before you can really genuinely make a decision."

Eighteen months later and on the day Prime Minister Tony Blair pledged his government's support, Coe declared that London stood "an extremely good chance" of winning the London 2012 rights.

The former Member of Parliament for Falmouth and Camborne added: "What we do need is everybody on board and for the IOC, it is vitally important that they recognise from the Prime Minister down that everybody is singing off the same hymn sheet."

Coe was voted onto the the IAAF's council in August 2003, meaning he would have the ear of some of the most powerful men in sport.

He confirmed then that discussions had been held with a view to him playing a role in the London 2012 bid. It wasn't long before Coe was currying favour in parliament, and winning support in the IOC halls of power.

A BBC investigation into claims of "unethical conduct" among IOC members did the bid few favours during the Athens Games.

But Coe was quick to counter: "The IOC will realise that this is not something London 2012 has been remotely involved in.

"I would not say that this news will be helpful, but I have to think that judgements are made about bids for all sorts of reasons."

And this year, with decision day in sight, Coe's athletics reputation as a fast finisher was reflected in London 2012's momentum.

Paris may have been favourites, but Coe was choosing his words like the great parliamentarian he once aspired to be.

IOC inspectors visited London in February, when Coe spoke of being "as confident as ever, but not complacent."

Politicians were becoming vital running partners, he declared.

"This has been a very good process for British sport, we are punching our weight again and we are back at the table," Coe explained.

He added: "This is a very, very close competition. The judgements that I value, particularly IOC members, say this is too close to call. The IOC know that if they come to this country there will not be rows of empty plastic seating. It will probably be the best supported Games."