The election of Sebastian Coe as the President of International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF) will signal a new era in the administration of the sporting body.
It also highlights Coe’s passion to never give up on a cause or ambition that he has set his mind on.
This doggedness must be made evident when Coe assumes office after the World Athletics Championships, which commence in Beijing tomorrow.
The men’s 100 metres in this world meet has an interesting line up of sprinters who have tested positive for doping, barring Olympic champion and world record holder Usain Bolt.
Coe must make it his mission to clean up the sport once he takes office given that leaked reports have now alleged that blood doping is rife in athletics.
There is a need to set up a fully independent anti-doping tribunal and Coe must facilitate this. His wealth of knowledge in sports governance and administration — acquired through his journey as an athlete, politician and businessman — may ensure that world athletics is in capable hands, but the new president will still have to walk the talk.
