Click HERE to watch the video of the race
The scene was set for one of the most famous confrontations ever, between Ovett and Coe in the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, where each won the other's speciality; Ovett the 800 metres, and Coe the 1500 metres (Coe came in second in the 800 after running what he described as "the worst tactical race of my life", while Ovett took third in the 1500).
It was Ovett's first defeat at either one mile or 1500 metres in three years and 45 races, and Coe covered the last 400 m in 52.2 and the last 100 m in an exceptional 12.1 seconds, the fastest ever last 100 m in any Championship race at this distance. The image of Coe crossing the finish line arms outstretched, eyes rolling and mouth agape is iconic.
| Sebastian Coe (GBR) | 3:38.40 | Jurgen Straub (GDR) | 3:38.80 | Steve Ovett (GBR) | 3:38.99 |
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