British Olympian Sebastian Coe to lead IAAF as it battles doping claims

 

British former Olympian Sebastian Coe has been named as the new head of world athletics governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Coe, who won four Olympic medals, including two golds, as a middle distance runner, headed London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

A former lawmaker, he became a life member — known as a lord — in the upper house of Britain’s parliament in 2000.

The IAAF confirmed that Coe, previously a vice-president, had become their sixth president at the 50th IAAF Congress in Beijing on Wednesday, beating rival and former Ukrainian Olympic pole vaulter Sergey Bubka in the final vote.

“I am deeply honoured that our sport has placed its trust in me. There is no job I want to do more — nor with greater commitment,” Coe was quoted on the IAAF website as saying.

Coe’s appointment comes at a turbulent time for the athletics body, as it battles doping allegations. (CNN)