Sebastian Coe (born 1956) was one of Britain's greatest runners. He twice won Olympic gold medals in the 1,500-meter race, and was the second man ever to hold simultaneous records in the 800 meter, 1,500 meter, and mile races.

Sebastian Coe was born on September 29, 1956 in London, England. He was the oldest of four children born to Peter Coe, an engineer, and Angela Coe, an actress. The family was athletic: Peter Coe was a cyclist, and Coe's grandfather had been a sprinter. Coe was encouraged to play sports, but his family took him to the theater and museums as well.

Coe always loved to run. As a child, he preferred running to riding a bicycle on his trips around town. He took part in his first "official" run at the age of 12. Coe's father did not have experience in coaching or running. When he saw his son in that first run...