British gold medals at 2012 Games 'crucial', says Coe
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference."Britain performing well in these Games is not the icing on the cake. It's pretty well the whole ingredient; it's crucial," Coe, the chairman of the 2012 organising committee, told UK Sport's annual major events conference, held in London.
"The Olympic and Paralympics Games are not just about full houses, great merchandise and profit. They are also about creating a well-stocked shop window for sport in the UK. The Games will not be a good Games if that shop window is empty, or if there is no evidence that more young people are taking up sport.
"The success of the Games will not be judged on how many new railway lines have been built, or how many hotel rooms have been filled."
Coe, a double Olympic champion, knows the British public will ultimately judge the success of 2012 on the number of domestic medal winners and he urged everyone involved in sport in the UK - from teachers to coaches and performance directors - to make every effort to produce the champions of the future. He knows from personal experience that the timescale is important. Seven years after winning at the English Schools' Athletics Championships, he took the 1500 metres gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
"The Games are the biggest opportunity sport in this country has ever had. It is one we must not squander," said Coe, who acknowledged that the involvement of young people and the promise of a sporting legacy for future generations were two of the major reasons why the International Olympic Committee chose London to host the 2012 Games ahead of Paris.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments