London – IAAF Presidential candidate Seb Coe has today launched a campaign film featuring iconic athletes past and present as well as British Prime Minister David Cameron (Video below).
The three minute film which features Haile Gebreselassie, David Rudisha, Yelena Isinbayeva, Jess Ennis-Hill and Valerie Adams is available to view at www.sebcoe2015.org and was produced by FilmNova Sport Production, one of Britain’s leading independent sports producers.
Seb Coe said:
“I am very grateful to Haile Gebreselassie, David Rudisha, Yelena Isinbayeva, Jess Ennis-Hill, Valerie Adams and British Prime Minister David Cameron for taking the time out of their very busy schedules to offer their support to my campaign to become IAAF President. I am deeply touched that I have the support of such inspirational athletes and the Prime Minister.
“For as long as I can remember, Athletics has been at the centre of my life. It is the reason that I care so much about athletes of the past, present and the future and it is why I am running for the position of IAAF President. To have the support of such incredible and well respected athletes really means a great deal to me.
“With just six weeks to go until the IAAF election, I am continuing to speak to Member Associations across the world about their priorities for our sport. I am more convinced than ever that we are on the verge of a new golden era for Athletics if we embrace the opportunities together and not shy away from embracing change where needed.”
David Rudisha, 800m Olympic Gold Medallist and IAAF World Champion said:
“Seb Coe wants to do more than just inspire young runners. He wants to reach out across the world to give them the tools to change their lives. We have a lot of hope in Seb and that he is the man to take our sport into the next level.”
Yelena Isinbayeva, pole vault double Olympic Gold Medallist and three-time IAAF World Champion said about Seb Coe:
“He understands the need to empower the federations to allow more athletes globally to fulfil their potential. I think he can do a lot because he is very smart, he is intelligent and has a lot of connections.”
Valerie Adams, shot put double Olympic Gold Medallist and four-time IAAF World Champion said:
“The most impressive thing about what Seb Coe did with the London Olympics was making sure that the stadium was packed from sunrise until sunset – people were there all the time.”
Jess Ennis-Hill, Heptathlon Olympic Gold Medallist and IAAF World Champion added:
“It’s been fantastic that the stadium is still in use and that the track is still there. It’s really important for the legacy of London 2012.”
Haile Gebreselassie double Olympic 10,000m Gold Medallist and four-time IAAF World Champion said:
“He knows how to inspire youngsters. He knows how to create Athletes because he himself was an Athlete and he knows how to bring in sponsors – without money you cannot do anything.”
And British Prime Minister David Cameron added:
“If you think of what Seb has done for Britain and for sport, just imagine what he could do for Athletics across the world. That’s why I wish him the very best as he goes for gold yet again.”