clarinews@clarinet.com (MORLEY MYERS) (02/02/90)
AUCKLAND, New Zealand (UPI) -- Sebastian Coe, one of the greatest middle-distance runners of the era, ended his career Friday by withdrawing from the 1,500 meters at the Commonwealth Games due to a viral infecti international stage,'' Coe said after he was unable to participate in Friday's heats. The 1,500 meters was to have been Coe's last event, allowing him to run as a political candidate for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's Conservative party in England. Coe was scheduled to make a royal appearance before Queen Elizabeth in Saturday's final. Coe earned a unique place in Olympic history, winning the gold medal in the 1,500 meters in 1980 and 1984. Coe set 12 world records and collected four Olympic medals, including two silvers in the 800 meters. ``I have a sore throat and lumps and bumps in my lymph system and I was advised not to run,'' Coe said. ``But ultimately, the decision was mine. ``It is difficult to stomach. I have committed myself to nothing but this since October. I have never truly competed in a Commonwealth Games before and I really wanted to come here.'' Compatriot Peter Elliot, who kept Coe from competing on Britain's team in the Seoul Olympics and won a silver medal, will carry England's colors in Saturday's final. Elsewhere in the Games, Kay Morley of Wales ran the 100-meter hurdles in 12.91 seconds, defeating defending champion Sally Gunnell of England. Gunnell was attempting to win her second gold medal following her 400-meter hurdles triumph. Australian heptathlete winner Jane Flemming achieved her double-gold goal, winning the long jump in 6.78 meters. Olympic silver medalist Liz McColgan gave Scotland its first track medal of the Games by retaining her women's 10,000-meters title in 32 minutes, 23.56 seconds. New Zealander Tania Murray won the women's high jump in 1.88 meters and Australian Simon Arkell claimed the pole vault in 5.35 meters. Favored Australia, England and Trinidad & Tobago were disqualified for a faulty takeover in the men's 4x400-meter relays, leaving Kenya in the favorite for Saturday's final. Canada, which claimed six gold medals four years ago, finished with only one title in the boxing despite have seven finalists. Chris Johnson, 18, scored a points decision ver Ghanaian Ashia Joseph Laryea in the middleweight division. Johnson was the only winner among the four Canadians in the six divisions decided Friday. With one day of competition left, Australia led the gold medal standings with 50, followed by England (38), Canada (34), New Zealand (16), India (13) and Wales (10).