Ovett in full flight will always be one of track & field atlhetics's greatest sights. The story of how he came run in a USSR vest is also a real treat.
Ovetts career is forever intertwined with Coes, given their rivalry. Like others here have said Ovett seemed to be a more natural talent whereas Coe seemed to be the product of hard (better?) training. Im sure both of them worked very hard to achieve their great success. Both of them were great athletes. Ovetts personality make him a more compelling character, i think.
@@siypicI’m not directly comparing Ryun with Ovett, just pointing out that we never saw the limit of what they were both capable of. Ryun’s performances and world records were mind boggling for a teenager and if hadn’t burnt himself out at 22, who knows what more he might have achieved. Certainly, he would have carried on for longer and further lowered the Mile and 1500m records. A modern coach today would know the benefits of rest and better quality training but Bob Timmons ran him into the ground with his monster intervals.
I wish ovett would have prioritized the 800m and did less mileage and more speed and strength work. I think he would have run sub 1.42 had he not focused on the 1500m/mile. He won the 400m English schools championships as a 16 year old and was a big barrel chested strapping athlete who used his size to get out of trouble in tactical races like the 800m in Moscow, he did ALOT of pushing and manhandling in that race and came close to doing a bit too much.
Sad the way it ended for Ovett. I think he always trained with way too much volume, and if he would have done around 30-40% less volume in training with more of an emphasis on speed work and weight training, he could have been an awesome force over 800 meters, indeed I think that is the distance he was physically more suited too, especially considering the fact he won the English Schools 400 meter title, displaying his natural speed. The high mileage killed him and diluted his power/speed, ultimately leading to his premature breaking down as was seen in the 1984 Olympics. Also I always wonder whether Seb could have won in 1988 if given the chance, not at 1500, but solely the 800 meters. He was doing world leading 800 meter times of 1.43 even in 1989, so surely he was in with a shot in 1988 if selectors let him have a go at it. Not much to ask when you're DOUBLE Olympic champion FFS!!
That is not the way Ovett saw it. He lost the 1974 European Championships 800m to a 45.9 runner and if that didn't convince him, 44.26 400m runner Alberto Juantorena did when he beat him in 800 at the 1976 Olympics in a world record 1:43.50. Winning the English schools 400 meter title was no guarantee that he would develop 45.9 400m speed much less 44.26. Ovett decided after those European championships that he would compete in championship meets in both the 800 and 1500. He just happened to be more competitive in the 1500 because of his devastating in kick in the last 200m. This video mentions and I've read elsewhere of changes to training such as you have mentioned. Ovett is perhaps my favorite athlete but I don't think he could have gone on winning and breaking records past the point he did no matter what changes he made. Coe and then Cram were just faster, both had 800 bests at least a second faster. In this interview he said he was n the shape of his life but i don't think so, he hadn't run any times indicating that. He did run his second best ever 800 in the semi-finals. As for Coe, no he couldn't of won in 1988. His 1:43 in 1989 wasn't the world leading time, the world leading time was by the Olympic champion, Paul Ereng of Kenya. More to the point in 1988 Coe was a 1:43.93/3:35.72 runner. Selectors really can't go by reputation, there are always new athletes that need to develop too. Seb had health problems during his career, it is to be expected, athletes push their bodies tot he maximum to get the results they do. I met both Juantorena and Coe and they both just got to a point that they couldn't do the workouts that let them perform at that level. Coe could run a 1:43 but the Olympics require you race three times in three days and run your 1:43 on that last day against other guys who can run 1:43.
I agree: not letting a reigning double Olympic champion defend his title is inexcusable. Let the Brits have another entry if need be! I'd make it an Olympic rule: ALL champions automatically qualify. I doubt any would abuse that if they knew they were really unfit to compete.
@@EdLove Without a doubt that would be best for the spectator but the Olympics are 125 years old and it shows in their thinking. That all champions automatically qualify is something you see in a more forward thinking competition like the World Championship. There you can qualify even if you aren't a former champ or didn't make your countries team if you win the Diamond league.
@@gemasboy There is a difference between running (which you do when a bus you are trying to catch is pulling away from a stop) and competing (which you do when you are trying to win a race against others who are trying to win that same race).
@@robertdawson7460 the only distance coe could have beaten a prime ovett was 800m and ovett beat him twice at 800m.coe was a kid in 1978 so id call it a draw ,i think ovett was the different level athlete tbh,those railings killed him
Ovett/coe rivalry pushed the pair to legendary times, coe was the consummate professional, ovett imo was the more naturally gifted, had he trained in the way coe had, and had the backing, he wouldve been quicker... It was a good time to be British, mad as there's no black ppl in finals, now no white athletes get nr the blacks... I do think poverty and environment now makes better athletes, be it. In boxingathletics, basketball
I thought modern social media was a bad thing but watching this I realised the media was worse then. The athletes couldn’t dictate their own narrative, it was the media that controlled what was said not the athlete. Now athletes can have their own voice, their own channel and can put their image out there on their own terms and the media can’t shape or control it as much. In the past they were dependent on the media and had to do what they wanted to have a favourable image portrayed. Just a thought….
I liked Cram the best, then Coe. Ovett was a bit before my time and because of his celebrations I got the impression he was a bit cocky. He was a class athlete though.
At 58:22, I wrongly thought that Coe still might win. But David Coleman had already described it perfectly when he said Coe was in trouble 100m earlier. The damage had been done.
If I could ask Steve Ovett one question, it would be: which is harder - the last lap of the hardest 1500m you ever ran or commentating a 50k race walk?
Is that Jon Brown the athletes from Yorkshire good track and cross country runner 80s 90s if it is that guy hope you good I'm 50 now just started training again
Brilliant runner, for me the greatest ever, 800 to 5000 he won gold's at major championships.
Also a really nice bloke.
Ovett in full flight will always be one of track & field atlhetics's greatest sights. The story of how he came run in a USSR vest is also a real treat.
Ovetts career is forever intertwined with Coes, given their rivalry. Like others here have said Ovett seemed to be a more natural talent whereas Coe seemed to be the product of hard (better?) training. Im sure both of them worked very hard to achieve their great success. Both of them were great athletes. Ovetts personality make him a more compelling character, i think.
STEVE OVETT FOREVER
My favorite Great Runner
Very-very good Video
Thanks....
Wonderful documentary; many thanks for sharing it. I love the way Seb Coe was honoured alongside Steve. What a pair!
I went to school in Brighton with Steve for 4 years, also played on the football with him. He was always a nice bloke and top athlete.
What was he like as a footballer?
Ovett with musical backing from XTC . An unlikely coming together of two of my favourite things.
A golden age for UK middle-distance running, once in a life time. Fantastic memories.
I will never forget that 800m final in Moscow just legendary.
Like Jim Ryun, due to a combination of circumstances we never saw the limit of this man's ability.
Ovett won many international races........ Jm Ryan didnt
@@siypicI’m not directly comparing Ryun with Ovett, just pointing out that we never saw the limit of what they were both capable of. Ryun’s performances and world records were mind boggling for a teenager and if hadn’t burnt himself out at 22, who knows what more he might have achieved. Certainly, he would have carried on for longer and further lowered the Mile and 1500m records. A modern coach today would know the benefits of rest and better quality training but Bob Timmons ran him into the ground with his monster intervals.
Congratulations Steve! Steve Ovett was the best all around runner that Great Britian ever had!
Spot on.
That sprint finish with the Soviet vest on ....iconic.
Steve ovett. What a great runner could run anything between 800.meters. up to 5000 meters.half marathons .etc.
Steve Ovett legend.
David Wilkie. Another Olympic legend who stopped a USA Gold medal sweep in 76.
Steve was the most perfect human running machine ever.
beautiful doc. very real.
I wish ovett would have prioritized the 800m and did less mileage and more speed and strength work. I think he would have run sub 1.42 had he not focused on the 1500m/mile. He won the 400m English schools championships as a 16 year old and was a big barrel chested strapping athlete who used his size to get out of trouble in tactical races like the 800m in Moscow, he did ALOT of pushing and manhandling in that race and came close to doing a bit too much.
No one like him. There will never be a time like that again. He was exhilarating to watch. Like a beautiful untamed stallion!
Coe Ovett Cram , Warren , Elliott , McKean. UK ruled then.
Sad the way it ended for Ovett. I think he always trained with way too much volume, and if he would have done around 30-40% less volume in training with more of an emphasis on speed work and weight training, he could have been an awesome force over 800 meters, indeed I think that is the distance he was physically more suited too, especially considering the fact he won the English Schools 400 meter title, displaying his natural speed. The high mileage killed him and diluted his power/speed, ultimately leading to his premature breaking down as was seen in the 1984 Olympics. Also I always wonder whether Seb could have won in 1988 if given the chance, not at 1500, but solely the 800 meters. He was doing world leading 800 meter times of 1.43 even in 1989, so surely he was in with a shot in 1988 if selectors let him have a go at it. Not much to ask when you're DOUBLE Olympic champion FFS!!
That is not the way Ovett saw it. He lost the 1974 European Championships 800m to a 45.9 runner and if that didn't convince him, 44.26 400m runner Alberto Juantorena did when he beat him in 800 at the 1976 Olympics in a world record 1:43.50. Winning the English schools 400 meter title was no guarantee that he would develop 45.9 400m speed much less 44.26. Ovett decided after those European championships that he would compete in championship meets in both the 800 and 1500. He just happened to be more competitive in the 1500 because of his devastating in kick in the last 200m. This video mentions and I've read elsewhere of changes to training such as you have mentioned. Ovett is perhaps my favorite athlete but I don't think he could have gone on winning and breaking records past the point he did no matter what changes he made. Coe and then Cram were just faster, both had 800 bests at least a second faster. In this interview he said he was n the shape of his life but i don't think so, he hadn't run any times indicating that. He did run his second best ever 800 in the semi-finals.
As for Coe, no he couldn't of won in 1988. His 1:43 in 1989 wasn't the world leading time, the world leading time was by the Olympic champion, Paul Ereng of Kenya. More to the point in 1988 Coe was a 1:43.93/3:35.72 runner. Selectors really can't go by reputation, there are always new athletes that need to develop too. Seb had health problems during his career, it is to be expected, athletes push their bodies tot he maximum to get the results they do. I met both Juantorena and Coe and they both just got to a point that they couldn't do the workouts that let them perform at that level. Coe could run a 1:43 but the Olympics require you race three times in three days and run your 1:43 on that last day against other guys who can run 1:43.
Aldo Pedroso thank you for your comment. Who knew a simple activity like running can involve so much strategy and analysis!
I agree: not letting a reigning double Olympic champion defend his title is inexcusable. Let the Brits have another entry if need be! I'd make it an Olympic rule: ALL champions automatically qualify. I doubt any would abuse that if they knew they were really unfit to compete.
@@EdLove Without a doubt that would be best for the spectator but the Olympics are 125 years old and it shows in their thinking. That all champions automatically qualify is something you see in a more forward thinking competition like the World Championship. There you can qualify even if you aren't a former champ or didn't make your countries team if you win the Diamond league.
@@gemasboy There is a difference between running (which you do when a bus you are trying to catch is pulling away from a stop) and competing (which you do when you are trying to win a race against others who are trying to win that same race).
Without that injury Ovette wouldve been world record holder for 800,1500 and mile Cram and Coe wouldnt have touched him.
Without a doubt..
@@siypic steveovett is my.hero
He was better than them.
Let's be real ovett was a world class runner, Seb was different level . 4 world records in 41 days .
@@robertdawson7460 the only distance coe could have beaten a prime ovett was 800m and ovett beat him twice at 800m.coe was a kid in 1978 so id call it a draw ,i think ovett was the different level athlete tbh,those railings killed him
He had the most effortless style iv ever seen and beat me easily on my moped one day in hove in 80s 🏃🏃🏃
This guy was the best!
the look on moorcroft walkers face at 43:04 thinking they've taken a scalp-give over.and a fitting win for coe at the end
Ovett/coe rivalry pushed the pair to legendary times, coe was the consummate professional, ovett imo was the more naturally gifted, had he trained in the way coe had, and had the backing, he wouldve been quicker... It was a good time to be British, mad as there's no black ppl in finals, now no white athletes get nr the blacks... I do think poverty and environment now makes better athletes, be it. In boxingathletics, basketball
Congratulations Steve! Ovett could have beat Coe but he needed more sprint speed! He was a better runner! and don't doubt this!
I have the impression that Ovett’s training was Rocky in Rocky IV and Coe’s was Drago.
Love Steve...looked like fonda in one upon a t i t westx
Thanks for putting that up.
Steve was the peoples champion.
The 1980 Moscow Olympics...thank you President Carter, you really showed 'em. 🇺🇸👍🏽✌🏽
I thought modern social media was a bad thing but watching this I realised the media was worse then. The athletes couldn’t dictate their own narrative, it was the media that controlled what was said not the athlete. Now athletes can have their own voice, their own channel and can put their image out there on their own terms and the media can’t shape or control it as much. In the past they were dependent on the media and had to do what they wanted to have a favourable image portrayed. Just a thought….
Ovetts church railing injury he was never the same again the explosive speed gone
I liked Cram the best, then Coe. Ovett was a bit before my time and because of his celebrations I got the impression he was a bit cocky. He was a class athlete though.
At 58:22, I wrongly thought that Coe still might win. But David Coleman had already described it perfectly when he said Coe was in trouble 100m earlier. The damage had been done.
If I could ask Steve Ovett one question, it would be: which is harder - the last lap of the hardest 1500m you ever ran or commentating a 50k race walk?
i remember watching ovett winning gold in moscow olympics 1980 .age 8 on a black white tv in Liverpool
There was always only one and it was this man ,,,
All 3 of em were lovely movers 😊
a far better runner and more genuine man than Coe who's become a sleezeball
Is that Jon Brown the athletes from Yorkshire good track and cross country runner 80s 90s if it is that guy hope you good I'm 50 now just started training again
Overt was a better runner than Coe more naturally gifted and a nicer bloke
Ovett
Steve was the Natural. Seb was more of a creation. If that makes sense.
You inspired me as a kid>Thanl you.
Coe 👎 overt👍
Coe and Hicham
In the same era
Some of the commentators are a touch Partridge.
Coe and Daley on the Epo?! Some sort of steroid? Testosterone? Would love to ask!
Did you fart