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Daley Thompson CBE

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Daley Thompson first competed in the decathlon at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal when he was just 18 and came 18th overall. He then went on to win the gold medal for the decathlon at the Olympic Games in 1980. In 1982 Daley was awarded an MBE and was voted BBC Sports Personality Of The Year. In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Daley held the world record for the decathlon as he won the gold medal again.

Daley is regarded by many as the world's greatest ever all round athlete.

THE most competitive sporting animal I have ever come across. That assessment of Daley Thompson, came from Frank Dick, the Scotsman who was director of coaching for British athletics in the golden era of the 1980s and early 1990s. He coached Thompson and also advised Gerhard Berger, Katarina Witt and Boris Becker.

When Frank was asked where Daley ranked among the greats of the sport? His reply was Personally, I would have gone for Jesse Owens as the athlete of the century. But Daley was right up there, certainly the best in his event. A one-off, the like of which we are unlikely to see again.

A hamstring injury forced Daley to retire in 1992. In the 1990s he went on to play professional football for Mansfield Town and has also worked as fitness coach for Wimbledon and Luton Town football clubs.

He was awarded the CBE in 2000 and in 2004, he set up Daley Fitness a firm which offers fitness training sessions both to individuals and corporate groups.

He still has his moustache.

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Find out how to book Daley Thompson CBE as the sports speaker for your next event by calling Speak Out on 0131 654 1000 or clicking here.

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