Track Champ Sebastian Coe Delays Retirement

Sebastian Coe, one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time, today surprised track observers by announcing that he will not retire from track and field until after next January’s Commonwealth Games.

Coe, who will be 33 on Sept. 29, said the Jan. 24-Feb. 2 games in Auckland, New Zealand, will mark the end of his decade-long career.

“The call to compete in my country’s vest (uniform) remains an irresistible one,” said Coe, who has been selected to run the 1,500 meters for England in Auckland. He also could double up at 800, for which he is one of three athletes being considered.

“My health has sometimes let me down, and the ‘downs’ . . . have coincided with the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “So this is the one medal I don’t have.”

Coe, the 800-meter world record holder and two-time Olympic 1,500-meter champion, had been expected to announce that his appearance before British fans at an international meet in London on Friday night would be his last race. A full house is expected at Crystal Palace stadium where Coe will run in the 800 meters.

But Coe said he could not resist the lure of the Commonwealth Games.

“The challenge of one more shake of the dice is what motivates me,” he said. “The Commonwealth Games seem to be the right and proper time to bow out.”

After that, Coe plans to pursue a career in politics as a member of Britain’s governing Conservative Party. Referring to his future, Coe joked: “I hope to pursue a career which is altogether quieter, less controversial, more reflective, more physical--in politics.”