O/T Daley Thompson

If you didn't get the chance to see tonight's programme (Daley: Olympic Superstar) on BBC 2, I can highly recommend it's well worth viewing.

All about, and probably the greatest athlete this country has ever produced, (is that the right way to describe him?), there were things I didn't know of his awful personal upbringing and it totally captivated my interest.

The amount of physical training he put himself through was simply unbelievable, 320 days a year 7 days a week on one Olympics alone, when he wasn't training it was because he was flying or travelling to events.

In parts he comes across as a very reserved individual unable to present himself or speak in public, of which he made many a gaff that turned the press/tabloids against him.

Having watched the whole programme, I actually got where he was coming from. Back in those days though, the press loved knocking anyone down, especially if you were black and made a joke about Princess Anne. Must have been really hard for him at times.

What about what he said about Carl Lewis? I notice Colin Jackson didn't comment on that.

Didn't see the programm Brin but my memories of Daley Thompson were that he was widely lived and very popular?

Also that his press conferences were hilarious and much anticipated?

Not sure if it mentioned it in the programme but quick quiz question,although with Google there doesn’t seem much point these days anyway…..

But which professional football team did Daley Thompson play for..?..

Mansfield reserves and a friendly for Reading

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Originally Posted by great_fire

What about what he said about Carl Lewis? I notice Colin Jackson didn't comment on that.

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In today's world, totally uncalled for and would probably get him into serious trouble both personally and financially.

As for Colin Jackson he looked up to Daley as an idol and one that sounds like one he gained support from to take him to better levels in training,

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Originally Posted by the_idiotb_stardson

Didn't see the programm Brin but my memories of Daley Thompson were that he was widely lived and very popular?

Also that his press conferences were hilarious and much anticipated?

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ibs, yes he lived his life as per the Marvin Gaye song...'Wherever I lay my hat that's my home'. 2 marriages and five kids says it all.
He does go on to say that although he tried to be a good Father and Husband, his total focus was being the best athlete in the world, selfish in every way but, he proved himself to be a double Decathlon Olympic winner smashing the world record a total of four times! If it wasn't for the serious injury in Seoul, he would have probably made a third win.

His press conferences were, if you took the PC out of it very funny indeed and the British press didn't know how to take him so, blasted him hoping to destroy his career. One classic was asking what the Princess Anne had said to him when he won his second gold medal. He replied something about wanting to have children with her. When pushed on what colour he hoped they'd be he said hopefully white! He got a proper balst for that. Throw in him whistling to the National anthem and the press had a field day on him. Daley.....he just laughed at it all.

Great programme Brin,about one of my sporting hero`s,must say I learnt a lot I didn`t know,troubled upbringing,but had some great people in his life,I sure at times he was an arse to be around,aren`t all the greats ?
That era of athletics,Coe,Ovett,Cram,Elliott,Davies,Daley,Well s,Christie,etc,loved watching them.
Love to meet him and shake his hand,what a man.

A really good documentary.

I was half expecting Steve Evans to pop up near the end as he signed him for Stamford back in the 90s. Another to add to his list of famous friends.

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Originally Posted by Townerslovechild

Great programme Brin,about one of my sporting hero`s,must say I learnt a lot I didn`t know,troubled upbringing,but had some great people in his life,I sure at times he was an arse to be around,aren`t all the greats ?
That era of athletics,Coe,Ovett,Cram,Elliott,Davies,Daley,Well s,Christie,etc,loved watching them.
Love to meet him and shake his hand,what a man.

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Glad you enjoyed it pal.