This is a magnificent interview of Daley Thompson by Steve Cram. Daley and Steve were two of the finest athletes in British athletics history. Steve is now a commentator on the Diamond League meetings and BBC Sports. I have been wanting to repost this interview for some time.
Updated August 12, 2017.
Originally posted January 19, 2016.
Daley Thompson is one of the finest decathletes of all time. The defense of his 1980 title in 1984 came down to two fouls in the discus, focused on by the late Bud Greenspan in Sixteen Days of Glory. I memorized that vignette. It is one of the finest interpretations of the paradox of being a focused athlete that this writer has ever viewed.
In this interview, Daley Thompson is interviewed by Steve Cram, and the interview is fascinating. Listen to his respectful comments on Caitlyn Jenner, who he knew as Bruce Jenner. It is one of my finest memories. I saw Daley in the adidas hospitality in London and reminded him of his comments and my admiration of him as an athlete but also his respect for Caitlyn Jenner.
Daley Thompson is the greatest British athlete of his generation; just ask Lord Seb Coe, who knows athletes pretty darn well. He also had the ability and still does, to annoy just about anyone who is still breathing.
Daley Thompson, courtesy of Athletics Weekly (Mark Shearman)
This interview was most of a roast/interview of Daley Thompson for www.coco.org.uk. Coco is the foundation championed by Steve Cram and Allison Curbishley and their friends. So far, it has raised over 2.8 million pounds sterling to work with communities in East Africa to “provide solutions to problems preventing children from accessing education.” (Thanks to Steve and Allison for a wonderful evening).
The night was fantastic, and I was fortunate to witness the event, which happened last July 2015, in London, right before the London Diamond League.
The interview (in two parts) is entertaining and fascinating. Steve Cram obviously has an affection for Mr. Thompson. And Daley’s stories, his wit, his obvious love of the sport were all there. I was lucky enough to ask Mr. Thompson a question, which is recorded here as well.
What was most poignant for me was Daley Thompson’s comments to a question on Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner).
Just when you think a guy can be a bit of a douche, he goes and says something so thoughtful and poignant, you are floored.
