"I'm a full-on fan again"
Colin Jackson, silver medallist at Seoul 2008 plus two-time world champion and world record holder for over a decade, will be a commentator, pundit and reporter on athletics for the BBC in Paris
Getty
- Caroline Frost
What will be the big stories in athletics at this year’s Olympics?
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The men’s 400m has a big rivalry, with the USA’s Rai Benjamin taking on Norway’s Karsten Warholm and Brazil’s Alison dos Santos. Any of them could become Olympic champion. The sprints are always electric.
Does commentating on events make you miss competition?
I’ve gone full circle. Being a fan was what got me into sport, then came the pressure – diet, not sleeping, working hard, being criticised. Now I’m a full-on fan again, which means no sleepless nights any more. It’s great.
What sets Olympic athletes apart from the rest of us?
Apart from genetics, it’s the ability to commit consistently. Anyone can do something a couple of times, but living and breathing it sets you apart.
You have known both great triumph and disaster in your career. How important is mental resilience?
You moan to yourself about not getting Olympic gold, but breaking the world record helped; there are many more people who won’t get to do that. I’m very content with all my accolades. I know I achieved the best that I could. I don’t complain.
Jackson at the Sports Personality of the Year awards in 2023. Getty
What skills did you take from your sporting career into the next?
Realism, focus, the ability to commit long-term. I only knew two things between birth and retirement: school and athletics. It was a challenge to say, “I’m 36, what am I going to do with the rest of my life?” Then job offers started coming in. Once you recognise you’re being appreciated and not left on the shelf, it starts to take shape.
How fit are you now?
I have an extensive wardrobe I can’t replace, so I have to fit in it. I walk, I lift weights, I stretch and do a little bit of gym. And I eat well. My goal now is to stay fit and healthy.
You’ve said in the past that you were discriminated against for being Welsh and black. Have things got better?
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Whatever colour or creed you are, now you have the means to express yourself. In my day, it would have been, “He’s causing trouble.” Now it’s very much encouraged, and that educates people. I’m very envious of that, but also happy that young athletes are in that position. We just want people to be aware.
Authors
Caroline Frost
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