ON THIS DAY: 1981

Sebastian Coe broke the 800 metres world record. It stood for 12 years

1829: The first Oxford versus Cambridge Boat Race took place over a course from Hambleden Lock to Henley Bridge.

1907: The first long-distance car race, from Beijing to Paris, got under way.

1977: Al Geiberger became the first man to shoot a sub-60 round on the PGA Tour when he recorded a 59 in the Danny Thomas Golf Classic at the Colonial course in Memphis.

1991: England beat West Indies by 115 runs in the First Test at Headingley to record their first home win over the tourists since 1969.

2004: Tottenham appointed Dutchman Martin Jol as assistant to head coach Jacques Santini. Jol took over from Santini in November.