Sport

Unforgettable Coleman was a friendly voice

FEW athletics followers will not have been saddened to hear of the death of David Coleman just before Christmas, aged 87.

Born in Cheshire of Irish parents from Cork, Coleman (right) went on to dominate sports broadcasting at the BBC for four decades.

For many, his voice became inextricably linked with athletics commentary as he covered 11 summer Olympics, only standing down when almost 75 after the Sydney games.

It is not widely known that Coleman was a competent county standard runner in his own right and won the then-prestigious Manchester Mile, the only non-international to do so.

After leaving Stockport Harriers, he joined Manchester AC and was a member of the club's team that took bronze medals in the English National Cross Country, finishing 116th himself. According to one contemporary, he always stood out in his white tracksuit which at that time was almost unique in a world of blacks and greys. He also represented Staffordshire over 440 yards and later in life was president of Wolverhampton & Bilston AC.

In addition to his coverage of 16 Olympics in total, Coleman also led the commentary team at five World Cup tournaments and a multitude of FA and other cup finals.

His death for many who grew up listening to his commentaries, was like losing a friend.