Sporting icons : Daley Thompson - the champion Decathlete & video

 

Daley Thompson is a retired British decathlete, born on July 30, 1958. He gained fame for his exceptional achievements in the decathlon, a track and field event consisting of ten different disciplines. Thompson's career peaked during the 1980s.

Notably, he won gold in the decathlon at the 1980 Moscow Olympics and successfully defended his title at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, making him a double Olympic champion. His dominance extended to the Commonwealth Games, where he secured gold in both 1978 and 1982.

Thompson set multiple world records in the decathlon and was known for his charismatic personality. His competitive spirit and versatility in various events contributed to his success. After retiring from athletics, he remained involved in sports, including working as a sports commentator.

Daley Thompson's legacy endures as one of the greatest decathletes in history, and his impact on the sport is recognized worldwide.

Daley Thompson's achievements are extensive and highlight his dominance in the decathlon during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Here are some key details:

1. **Olympic Gold Medals:**

   - Thompson won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

   - He successfully defended his title at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, becoming a double Olympic champion.

2. **Commonwealth Games Success:**

   - Thompson won gold in the decathlon at the Commonwealth Games in 1978 (Edmonton) and 1982 (Brisbane).

3. **World Record Holder:**

   - He set four world records in the decathlon during his career. Notably, he broke the record at the 1980 Moscow Olympics with a score of 8,847 points.

4. **European Championships:**

   - Thompson secured gold at the European Championships in 1982 in Athens, further solidifying his status as the top decathlete in the world.

5. **World Championships:**

   - Although the decathlon was not part of the World Championships until 1983, Thompson won the first-ever World Championships in Athletics decathlon gold in Helsinki that year.

6. **Consistent Success:**

   - Throughout his career, Thompson demonstrated remarkable consistency in all ten decathlon events, showcasing his versatility as an athlete.

7. **Charismatic Personality:**

   - Thompson was known not only for his athletic prowess but also for his charismatic and engaging personality, making him a popular figure both in and outside the sporting world.

8. **Retirement and Legacy:**

   - After retiring from competitive athletics, Thompson remained active in the sports world, working as a sports commentator and continuing to contribute to the promotion of athletics.

Daley Thompson's achievements in the decathlon, marked by his Olympic successes, world records, and charismatic presence, firmly establish him as one of the greatest decathletes in the history of track and field.

In the below video , watch glimpses of Daley Thompson's decathlon action in 1984 Olympics .