1980 olympic medals

After winning the 1973 European Junior 800 metres title when he was only 17-years-old, Steve Ovett was in the forefront of world middle-distance running for more than a decade. He took part in three Olympic Games (1976-84) and although he won the Olympic 800 metres title in 1980, he was probably at his best over the 1,500 metres/mile distance.

In 1980, after setting two world records at 1,500 metres and bettering Seb Coe’s world mile record, Ovett was a firm favorite for the Olympic 1,500 metres title but his run of 45 successive victories over the distance, which stretched back to May 1977, was broken when he finished third in Moscow.

In 1981, he bettered the world mile record for a second time and 1983 saw him achieve his third world record at 1,500 metres. Between 1977 and 1983 he set 12 UK records at distances ranging from 800 to 2,000 metres.

Apart from his record breaking feats, Steve Ovett was a brilliant competitor and built an outstanding record in major championships.

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