Coe vs Ovett: Moscow 1980 & The rivalry that divided a nation - How It All Played Out

"It was a f**k up from beginning to end. Every mistake you can make in the 800 I made. Too far off the back, too wide, too diffident, no logic that day" - Seb Coe

From the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, Britain ruled the world of middle-distance running. At the heart of this golden era stood two legends: Sebastian Coe, the Yorkshire-born record breaker, and Steve Ovett, the tough competitor from Brighton. Their fierce rivalry built towards the 1980 Moscow Olympics - but what unfolded stunned fans from both sides of the divide and redefined athletics history.

In this episode of How It All Played Out, ITV’s Mark Pougatch and The Observer’s Paul Hayward revisit Margaret Thatcher’s divided Britain to explore the infamous “Tough vs Toff” clash that gripped a nation. Despite only racing head-to-head seven times in 17 years, Coe vs Ovett became one of sport’s greatest rivalries, combining politics, class, and raw athletic brilliance.

Relive the drama of the 800m and 1500m finals in Moscow 1980: the crushing pressure, the mind games, the upsets, and the unforgettable battles between two British icons. This is the story of style versus strength, grit versus grace, and how two athletes pushed each other into the history books.

If you love stories of Olympic glory, athletic rivalries, and the golden age of track and field, this episode is for you.

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