Some of the most celebrated figures from the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics have expressed their support for Sebastian Coe in his bid to become the next president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Ahead of the crucial vote in Greece, renowned athletes such as Mo Farah and Usain Bolt have praised Coe’s leadership and vision, advocating for his election.
Coe, a key figure in organizing the London 2012 Games, has also received backing from prominent Paralympians, including Tanni Grey-Thompson and Ade Adepitan. They have highlighted his role in transforming the Paralympic movement, emphasizing his commitment to inclusivity and his ability to drive change. Grey-Thompson, an 11-time Paralympic gold medalist, reflected on Coe’s contributions, noting that from the very beginning, the Paralympics were given equal importance in planning discussions. She pointed out how his leadership ensured that accessibility and infrastructure for disabled athletes were not an afterthought but an integral part of the process.
London 2012 set a new benchmark for the Paralympics, with record-breaking ticket sales and unprecedented audience engagement. Grey-Thompson emphasized Coe’s ability to bring together talented individuals and create an environment where everyone could contribute effectively. She underscored that true leadership lies in surrounding oneself with capable people and leveraging their strengths.
Ade Adepitan echoed these sentiments, commending Coe’s foresight in recognizing the significance of the Paralympics. He pointed out that while broader societal changes for the disabled community have been slow, the legacy of London 2012 created a generation of athletes and public figures who have become influential voices. The impact of the Games, according to Adepitan, extended beyond sports, fostering greater visibility for disabled individuals in various spheres, including media and entertainment.
However, Adepitan also warned of the risks posed by growing opposition to diversity and inclusion, stressing the importance of having leaders like Coe who can advocate for progress. He described Coe as a strategic thinker with the experience and influence to safeguard the advancements made in disability representation and inclusion.
Mo Farah, who won gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m events at London 2012, credited Coe for creating an environment where athletes could thrive. He described Coe as a mentor and a leader who has consistently provided guidance and encouragement throughout his career.
Usain Bolt, who secured victories in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay in London, also endorsed Coe’s candidacy, praising his commitment to putting athletes at the center of the Olympic movement. He highlighted Coe’s focus on growth and empowerment as essential for the future of the Games, believing that his leadership would ensure a strong and inclusive direction for the IOC.
As the election approaches, Coe is seen as a key contender, competing against Juan Antonio Samaranch of Spain and Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe. His campaign has centered on promoting transparency, fostering debate within the IOC, and amplifying the voices of athletes. With the backing of high-profile sports figures and a track record of successful leadership, he aims to bring a fresh perspective to the organization.
His supporters believe that his ability to drive change and create lasting impact makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Olympic movement into the future. His legacy from London 2012 stands as a testament to his leadership, and many see his election as an opportunity to continue building on the values of inclusivity, innovation, and athlete empowerment.
