Sebastian Coe, double Olympic medalist and current president of World Athletics, is in the spotlight as one of the main candidates to preside over the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In an interview with British journalist and presenter Piers Morgan – as part of his ‘Uncensored’ program – Coe addressed key issues such as his candidacy, the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sport, doping and the geopolitical challenges facing world sport.

“Everything I’ve done in my life is connected to the Olympic movement,” Coe said. From his early days as a runner in Sheffield to his role as a leader in world sport, Coe says his passion for sport and his experience make him the ideal candidate to lead the IOC.

INTEGRITY OF WOMEN’S SPORT: “SACROSANCT”

One of the most controversial issues Coe addressed was the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s sport. “For me, this is absolutely about the integrity of competition,” he declared. Coe emphasized that, while he respects the personal choices of transgender people, “the biology of sport is very clear.” According to him, allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s categories could destroy women’s sport.

“If we didn’t separate the sexes in the Olympics, women would barely win medals,” said Piers Morgan, to which Coe responded, ”We would lose women’s sport. It’s as simple as that. Coe also stressed the importance of ensuring that young female athletes do not feel there is a “glass ceiling” that limits their ability to compete at the highest level.

DECISIONS BASED ON SCIENCE AND LANGUAGE

Coe explained that World Athletics has made decisions based on science and with a moderate approach. “We have used language that is not rabid. I always stop and think: I have two daughters, how would I feel if they were being discussed right now?” he commented. She also stressed that the female category in elite sport must be protected and that any decisions must be backed by science.

"You would lose women's sport. It's as simple as that."

Lord Sebastian Coe has backed Trump’s transgender sports ban, vowing to uphold the "integrity of competition” if he becomes boss of the IOC.

Watch the full interview at 3pm (EST) / 8pm (UK).@piersmorgan | @sebcoe pic.twitter.com/I9MhJU1Ar0

— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) February 20, 2025

On possible solutions for transgender athletes, Coe mentioned the possibility of creating a third category in the future, although he clarified that he does not currently consider that option viable. “Sport needs leaders who make clear decisions,” he said.

“THE INTEGRITY OF THE SPORT IS FUNDAMENTAL”

Another central theme of the interview was doping in sport. Coe recalled his experience of taking over as president of World Athletics in 2015, when he was confronted with a massive doping scandal in Russia. “In less than two years, there were 149 positive tests in athletics. I could not stand idly by,” he explained. Under his leadership, the Russian Federation was suspended and reforms were implemented to ensure the integrity of the sport.

Coe stressed the importance of treating all athletes equally, regardless of their status or reputation. “I don’t want any athlete to think they are bigger than the system,” he said. He also advocated for greater investment in anti-doping programs to protect athletes who compete cleanly.

GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES IN SPORT

Coe acknowledged that sport cannot be separated from politics. “To say that politics and sport should not mix is naïve. Sport is one of the most powerful tools for social change,” he said. He also stressed the need to work with governments to promote sport as a tool for improving health and social cohesion.

Regarding the situation in Russia and Belarus, Coe defended the decisions taken by World Athletics to ban the participation of their athletes in international competitions due to the invasion of Ukraine. However, he left open the possibility of reconsidering this stance should a peace agreement be reached. “It is better to have people inside the sport than outside it,” he commented.

HIS VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE IOC

If elected IOC president, Coe plans to tackle challenges such as the evolution of sports broadcasting, youth participation, and commercial and geopolitical issues. “Sport is about much more than medals. It’s a lifelong commitment,” he said. He also highlighted his ability to build teams and lead with passion.

Coe concluded the interview by reaffirming his commitment to sport and his desire to make a difference. “This is not a job for me, it’s an absolute passion,” he stated. Piers Morgan, for his part, praised Coe and expressed his support for his candidacy: “I think you have the right ideas and the moral courage we need to lead world sport.”

A LIFE DEDICATED TO SPORT

From his days as a runner to his current role as a sports leader, Sebastian Coe has dedicated his life to sport. “Sport chooses you,” he reflected. Despite the challenges, Coe continues to run regularly and considers sport to be his “mental freedom.” Now, he is ready to tackle his next career: leading the International Olympic Committee.