Daley Thompson

Daley Thompson - Decathlete, Timeline and Childhood

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Daley Thompson's Personal Details

Daley Thompson is an English former decathlete who is a four-time world record holder and winner of two Olympic gold medals

InformationDetail
BirthdayJuly 30, 1958
NationalityBritish
FamousSportspersons, Athletes, Decathlete
SpousesLisa Clayton
ChildrensAaron Thompson, Alex Thompson, Austin Thompson, Elliot Thompson, Rachel Thompson
Birth PlaceNotting Hill, London, United Kingdom
Height183
GenderMale
FatherFrank Thompson
MotherLydia Thompson
Net Worth$5 million as of Mar 22,2017
Sun SignLeo
Born inNotting Hill, London, United Kingdom
Famous asDecathlete

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Daley Thompson's photo

Who is Daley Thompson?

Daley Thompson is a former English decathlon athlete who is considered to be the greatest decathlete of all time. A four times world record holder, Thompson won two Olympic gold medals, three Commonwealth titles, two European Championship titles, and a gold medal in World Championship. He also holds the record for being the first athlete to hold the European, Commonwealth, World and Olympics title in a single event simultaneously. He remained an undefeated champion of decathlon for nine years straight, from 1978 to 1987. And if this is any less, you may be surprised to know that his score of 8847 points at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles is a UK record till date. Thompson is one of the only two decathletes who have two Olympic victories in their bag, the other being Bob Mathias. During his glorious career, his rivalry with Jurgen Hingsen gained much public limelight. The duo constantly traded world records, one bettering the other. However, Thompson outdid Hingsen at major events every time. It was a persistent hamstring injury that brought an end to Thompson’s career. Nevertheless, he is still considered as the greatest athlete the country has produced.

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Childhood & Early Life

Daley Thompson was born on July 30, 1958 in Notting Hill, London to Frank Thompson and Lydia Thompson. His father was a taxi driver. Thompson lost his father at the age of twelve, when his father was shot dead in Streatham.

He gained his early education from Farney Close Boarding School, Bolney, Sussex. Early on, he aimed to make a career in football but switched to athletics soon after.

At the age of 14, he was introduced to a local athletics club, Haywards Health Harriers. Almost immediately, he carved an impression on the sports league, with everyone believing that he was born to be an athlete. He ranked fourth in the English Schools Intermediate 200m.

Career

After completing his studies, Thompson left for London. In London, he signed up at the Newham & Essex Beagles Athletic Club, training as a sprinter. Under Bob Mortimer’s guidance, Thompson tried for decathlon. He competed in his first decathlon later that year in Cwmbran, Wales, which he won along with his next competition.

In 1976, Thompson was named in the British team for the Olympic Games in Montreal. He was not even 18 until then. He finished the game at the 18th position, being the youngest player to make a stand. Following year, he won the European Junior title and stood fifth in the Long Jump.

In 1978, Thompson gained the first of his three Commonwealth titles. He finished second at the European Championship in Prague. With every victory, Thompson’s confidence zoomed upwards.

Year 1980 marked the start of a glorious career record for Thompson. In one of the best track and field event in Gotzis, Austria, Thompson broke the decathlon world record with a score of 8648. He followed this with a comfortable win at the Moscow Olympics.

Thompson’s form dwindled in 1981 but he came back to his best at the Gotzis in May 1982 where he set yet another world record at 8730 points. Later in Brisbane the same year, he bagged his second Commonwealth title. He clutched his first European Championship gold medal the same year in Athens.

In 1983, Thompson won the inaugural World Championships at Helsinki, becoming the first decathlete to hold a continental title. He also became the first athlete to hold the European, World, Commonwealth and Olympics title all at the same time.

At the 1984 Olympics at Los Angeles, Thompson successfully defended his title against Jurgen Hingsen, his major opponent and world record holder. Thompson finished the game as a sole record holder with 8847 points, a feat that stood until 1992 when America’s Dan O’Brien surpassed the score with his 8891 points. This turned out Thompson’s second victory in decathlon at the Olympics. He became the second athlete to win gold twice, first being Bob Mathias.

In 1986, Thompson won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games held at Edinburgh winning his third title in the championships. Iame year, he won bronze in the 4X100m relay race in European Championship in Stuttgart.

Having being a champion for straight nine years, in 1987, Thompson suffered from his first defeat in decathlon at the World Championship where he finished at the ninth position. He participated in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and finished at the fourth position.

In 1990, Thompson made it to the Commonwealth Games team but was forced to withdraw because of injury. Two years later, he was forced to retire from athletics due to persistent hamstring injury.

Post athletics, Thompson switched to his first love, football, yet again. He played professional football for Mansfield Town and Stevenage F.C. and Non-League football for Ilkeston F.C. He also worked as fitness coach for Wimbledon F.C. and Luton Town football clubs. In 1994, Thompson tried his hand at motorsports, taking part in the Ford Credit Fiesta Challenge Championship

Sporting career apart, Thompson worked as a fitness trainer and motivational speaker. He appeared at various corporate events. He also did a couple of television commercials. His name was used for three officially licensed home computer games by Ocean Software - Daley Thompson's Decathlon, Daley Thompson's Supertest and Daley Thompson's Olympic Challenge.

In 2012, Thompson served as an ambassador for the London Summer Olympics. As an ambassador, he highlighted the benefits that hosting Olympics brings to education and sport in schools.

In 2015, Thompson turned an entrepreneur with his own gym, known as Daley Fitness. The gym is located at the Upper Richmond Road in London, UK.

Awards & Achievements

From 1978 to 1987 he remained an undefeated champion in all competitions. He won gold medals in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics and became the first athlete to hold the European, World, Commonwealth and the Olympics titles simultaneously.

In 1982, he was honoured as the member of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire title (MBE).

In 1986, he was awarded with the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) and in 2000 with the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Personal Life & Legacy

Daley Thompson married Trish and has three children with her. The two later separated. He currently lives with his girlfriend Lisa and has two children with her.

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Daley Thompson's awards

YearNameAward

Other

0BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award

Daley Thompson biography timelines

  • // 30th Jul 1958
    Daley Thompson was born on July 30, 1958 in Notting Hill, London to Frank Thompson and Lydia Thompson. His father was a taxi driver. Thompson lost his father at the age of twelve, when his father was shot dead in Streatham.
  • // 1976
    In 1976, Thompson was named in the British team for the Olympic Games in Montreal. He was not even 18 until then. He finished the game at the 18th position, being the youngest player to make a stand. Following year, he won the European Junior title and stood fifth in the Long Jump.
  • // 1978
    In 1978, Thompson gained the first of his three Commonwealth titles. He finished second at the European Championship in Prague. With every victory, Thompson’s confidence zoomed upwards.
  • // 1978
    From 1978 to 1987 he remained an undefeated champion in all competitions. He won gold medals in the 1980 and 1984 Olympics and became the first athlete to hold the European, World, Commonwealth and the Olympics titles simultaneously.
  • // 1980
    Year 1980 marked the start of a glorious career record for Thompson. In one of the best track and field event in Gotzis, Austria, Thompson broke the decathlon world record with a score of 8648. He followed this with a comfortable win at the Moscow Olympics.
  • // 1982
    In 1982, he was honoured as the member of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire title (MBE).
  • // 1983
    In 1983, Thompson won the inaugural World Championships at Helsinki, becoming the first decathlete to hold a continental title. He also became the first athlete to hold the European, World, Commonwealth and Olympics title all at the same time.
  • // 1986
    In 1986, Thompson won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games held at Edinburgh winning his third title in the championships. Iame year, he won bronze in the 4X100m relay race in European Championship in Stuttgart.
  • // 1986 To 2000
    In 1986, he was awarded with the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) and in 2000 with the Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).
  • // 1987 To 1988
    Having being a champion for straight nine years, in 1987, Thompson suffered from his first defeat in decathlon at the World Championship where he finished at the ninth position. He participated in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games and finished at the fourth position.
  • // 1990
    In 1990, Thompson made it to the Commonwealth Games team but was forced to withdraw because of injury. Two years later, he was forced to retire from athletics due to persistent hamstring injury.
  • // 1994
    Post athletics, Thompson switched to his first love, football, yet again. He played professional football for Mansfield Town and Stevenage F.C. and Non-League football for Ilkeston F.C. He also worked as fitness coach for Wimbledon F.C. and Luton Town football clubs. In 1994, Thompson tried his hand at motorsports, taking part in the Ford Credit Fiesta Challenge Championship
  • // 2012
    In 2012, Thompson served as an ambassador for the London Summer Olympics. As an ambassador, he highlighted the benefits that hosting Olympics brings to education and sport in schools.
  • // 2015
    In 2015, Thompson turned an entrepreneur with his own gym, known as Daley Fitness. The gym is located at the Upper Richmond Road in London, UK.

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Daley Thompson's FAQ

  • What is Daley Thompson birthday?

    Daley Thompson was born at 1958-07-30

  • Where is Daley Thompson's birth place?

    Daley Thompson was born in Notting Hill, London, United Kingdom

  • What is Daley Thompson nationalities?

    Daley Thompson's nationalities is British

  • Who is Daley Thompson spouses?

    Daley Thompson's spouses is Lisa Clayton

  • Who is Daley Thompson childrens?

    Daley Thompson's childrens is Aaron Thompson, Alex Thompson, Austin Thompson, Elliot Thompson, Rachel Thompson

  • How tall is Daley Thompson?

    Daley Thompson's height is 183

  • Who is Daley Thompson's father?

    Daley Thompson's father is Frank Thompson

  • Who is Daley Thompson's mother?

    Daley Thompson's mother is Lydia Thompson

  • What is Daley Thompson's sun sign?

    Daley Thompson is Leo

  • How famous is Daley Thompson?

    Daley Thompson is famouse as Decathlete