Lord Sebastian Coe hoping Nitro Athletics will bring in new generation of fans

Legendary athlete Lord Sebastian Coe hopes Nitro Athletics can bring in a new generation of fans.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist told Tom Elliott he hopes the event – a new team-based competition in Melbourne aiming to revolutionise track and field – can reignite interest in the sport.

‘The average age watching track and field is late 50s to early 60s,’ Lord Coe said.

‘That’s not a sustainable sport. We have to do things that are going to excite young people.’

Lord Coe said investment in sport takes time to pay off.

The UK’s increased investment in elite sport took off after the implementation of a national lottery in the 1990s, and they are reaping the rewards now.

For instance, Great Britain finished second on the overall medal tally at Rio, with 27 gold medals.

But Lord Coe said it’s a break from tradition, which used to see more focus on amateur, grassroots sports funding.

Click play for the full interview