The Story William Hague talks to Seb Coe: Olympics, doping and the trans issue
Jul 25, 2024
Lord Sebastian Coe and William Hague discuss doping in sports, banning athletes from pariah nations, and the inclusion of transgender competitors in athletics. They reminisce about their shared past in athletics and politics, reflect on the challenges of organizing the Paris Olympics, and emphasize the importance of maintaining gender categories while supporting athlete well-being.
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Police At The Door During First Week As President
- Sebastian Coe arrived to find 17 policemen and Interpol at World Athletics' lobby during his early days as president.
- Within a week his predecessor and senior officials were arrested in a cross-border corruption probe, forcing immediate governance overhaul.
How The Queen And Bond Helicopter Came About
- Danny Boyle agreed to be creative director for London 2012 after Coe cornered him and secured the role on air.
- Boyle pitched using the Queen and James Bond as globally iconic figures and sold the Palace on the stunt directly.
Emotional Visit To Ukraine's Warzones
- Coe described arriving at a Polish border platform and seeing a hospital train with an intensive care unit bringing casualties from the front.
- He visited destroyed sporting facilities and honored fallen Ukrainian athletes at a war grave.