Each successive generation has different standards of "excellence" -
athletes can only really aim to beat the current world record and the
current crop of runners. However, I know that Coe at his peak would have
relished the opportunity to race El Guerrouj at his peak.
However, twenty two seasons after his WR, Seb Coe is STILL (just) in the
all-time Top 10 for the 1,500m. No other athlete can claim such longevity
over 1,500m.
In Coe's heydey (1979 - 81) there was no Grand Prix circuit, racing
opportunities were more limited, and Seb was also trying to combine his
1,500m races with his also rather successful 800m career. Malmo should also
note that Coe's 3:29.77 came some five years after his peak form in 1981,
and it is certainly arguable that his final mile WR was equivalent to sub
3:30.
You can have long debates about who is the best 1,500m/Mile runner of all
time, you can have long debates about who is the best 800m runner of all
time, but few people would argue that Coe should be included in both
discussions.
My question is, are there any other athletes that would rate as well in both
debates?
Matthew Fraser Moat
British Milers' Club
