Sebastian Coe was Wednesday morning elected new international athletics president, to cheers and tears in the audience in Beijing. 58-year-old is the man to clean up a sport shaded by doping.
However, during his first press conference delivered Coe no thundering speech against their derided predecessors.
On the contrary.
– Athletics has been a world leader in anti-doping as long as I’ve been with. I’m very proud of, said Coe – and patted seatmate, the former president, comradely shoulder.
Believes Gatlin deserves all respect
CRITICAL: President of the European Association of Athletics Federations Svein Arne Hansen, here under the current IAAF Congress. Photo: Mads Nyborg Støstad / NRK
Much of the athletics world has been critical of the American Justin Gatlin will participate in the World Cup after having served two doping judge.
– Personally, I think it is a total scandal, I would have never allowed anything like that. It’s outrageous what they do, says Norwegian Svein Arne Hansen, president of the European Association of Athletics Federations, told NRK.
But the answer is quite another when NRK ask Sebastian Coe.
– How comfortable are you as the new president with the Gatlin can take gold in Beijing?
– Justin Gatlin is eligible to compete, and should be shown all due respect – no matter where he ends the standings in the World Cup match Coe card.
Defender Coe
He has previously called the German doping documentary “a declaration of war against the sport my” . And been accused of being more concerned with the presidential job than of change (including the blog Sport Unbearable Lightness).
In his campaign he stated that he supports life sentences for drug addicts, but as president he ‘s quiet until further notice .
Svein Arne Hansen still think Coe is the right man. Hansen, who hopes to get a role under Briton believes it is difficult to go to public attacks on old boss right after the election.
– I see only positive aspects that he takes over, says Hansen told NRK.
– What do you think that he has no problem with Gatlin in the World Cup?
– There he gets to say . Gatlin has served his punishment, and they have their own way to deal with it. He must see the big picture as a world president, says Hansen.
– Is it okay that the international president and the European president is so disagree?
– I have not talked to Sebastian about this, so I will not think so much about.
Praised ex-boss
The Norwegian athletics politician says it needed major changes in athletics. But so far indicate little on a complete break with the previous regime.
Throughout Coes press lavished side man Lamine Diack with praise. Diack is the man who has guided athletes throughout the last 16 years. Coe promised 82-year-old continued influence.
– He will continue to be the spiritual leader, both for athletes and for me, says Coe.
– I inherit a very strong sport.
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