Coe on Olympic charm offensive
Sebastian Coe has been promoting London’s bid for the 2012 Olympics in New Delhi where the 13th World Half-Marathon was held today.
Lord Coe, in charge of the London bid, gave India advice on how to develop its own sports infrastructure – New Delhi will stage the 2010 Commonwealth Games - and also pushed London’s bid for the biggest show on earth.
“The real success is in winning events not just hosting them,” Coe told the Indian media.
“If India has to make a mark in world sport it has to shed its cricket-centric image. We do play cricket in the UK but we play and support several other sports as well.”
He said that success by athletes was also important in a successful bid – New Delhi is reportedly also considering a bid for the Olympics at some future date.
“Mere organisation won’t take you far,” Coe said. “You have to stamp your authority on the event. The more you win the more you will be recognised.”
Coe revealed his own ambition for London to stage the games for the third time after 1908 and 1948.
“We haven’t had the games in England since 1948,” said the two-time Olympic champion.
“The passion is great. It’s my job to see that London gets it. The Royal family, the government and politicians alike have all offered wholehearted support.”
