Coe looks to lead the IAAF

Lord Coe today suggested he will stand for the presidency of the IAAF next year.

Coe is one of three vice‑presidents and is considering putting himself forward for the lead role when Lamine Diack steps down in 2015 after 16 years at the head of the world athletics governing body.

“I will have to think long and hard about it,” Coe told the BBC. “It’s my sport and it’s the basis of everything I’ve ever done, so why wouldn’t I want to take that role?”

Coe, who won 1500metres gold at the 1980 and 1984 Olympics and then oversaw the hugely successful London 2012, is sure there will be other candidates.

He added: “I’ve always said if I get the opportunity to shape the future of my sport I will grab it.”

Former Russian pole vaulter Sergey Bubka and Qatari Dahlan Jumaan al‑Hamad are the other IAAF vice‑presidents.