Sad times. Much better Question Of Sport presenter than Sue Barker. Barcelona 1992 when Linford comes from behind in the mens 100 metre final and he says "and it's Christie" on commentary showing complete favouritism and can't hide his excitement at all is the moment that springs to mind with him.
My Dad met him on holiday some years back, said he was a true gent. Agree that Q of S was much better when he did it...
"And the world record has gone" Athletics has never been the same for me since David Coleman retired. Top bloke.
Very sad - one of the classic voices of commentary and in particular Athletics was never quite the same after he retired. Also famous for his classic gaffes - Here is a selection - RIP David "That's the fastest time ever run - but it's not as fast as the world record.""Don't tell those coming in the final result of that fantastic match, but let's just have another look at Italy's winning goal." "He's 31 this year - last year he was 30." "He just can't believe what's not happening to him." "In a moment we hope to see the pole vault over the satellite." "He is accelerating all the time. The last lap was run in 64 seconds and the one before that in 62." "For those of you watching who do not have television sets, live commentary is on Radio 2." "The late start is due to the time." "It's gold or nothing...and it's nothing. He comes away with the silver medal." "There is Brendan Foster, by himself with 20,000 people." "Forest have now lost six matches without winning." "He's even smaller in real life than he is on the track." "The front wheel crosses the finish line, closely followed by the back wheel." "And here's Moses Kiptanui - the 19-year-old Kenyan who turned 20 a few weeks ago." "This could be a repeat of what will happen in the European games next week." "That's the fastest time ever run, but it's not as fast as the world record." "If that had gone in, it would have been a goal." "This evening is a very different evening from the morning we had this morning." "He's seven seconds ahead and that's a good question." "I think there is no doubt, she'll probably qualify for the final." "I have the feeling she (Manuela Machado) is an athlete who likes to get away from the opposition." "Nobody has ever won the title twice before. He (Roger Black) has already done that." "He's got his hands on his knees and holds his head in despair." "Both of the Villa scorers - Withe and Mortimer - were born in Liverpool as was the Villa manager Ron Saunders who was born in Birkenhead." "He is accelerating all the time. The last lap was run in 64 seconds and the one before in 62."
Incredible, remarkable, it's quite extraordinary Not too many sports commentators get a song dedicated to them. http://www.iludicrous.co.uk/discography/lyrics/quitee.html Sad news, but 87 is a decent innings.