Daley Thompson

Biography

Daley Thompson has a multitude of decathlon honours, being the first person ever to hold the World, Olympic, Commonwealth and European titles at the same time, as well as the World Record!

Unbeaten in competition for 9 years, he was Olympic Champion in 1980 and 1984, World Champion in 1983, European Champion in 1982 and 1986 and Commonwealth Champion in 1978, 1982, and 1986. He has also set four World Records; 8648 in 1980; 8730 and 8774 in 1982; and 8847 in his Olympic triumph in Los Angeles in 1984.

He was simply the world’s greatest decathlete, drawing on a competitive attitude and ability that was unparalleled. Daley’s exuberant character both on and off the track, his success, and his popularity put athletics in front page news. He was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1982 when he was also awarded an MBE, going on to receive an OBE in 1986 and a CBE in 2000.

He retired from athletics in 1992 as a result of injury, and went on to play football for Wimbledon and Mansfield Town FC. In 2004 Daley set up Daley Fitness, aiming to help people take their fitness to new levels, whilst helping them to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The training sessions are devised and run by Daley himself!

Daley was a leading ambassador for the winning London 2012 Olympic bid. He focused on the benefits that hosting the Olympics would bring to education and sport in schools, and he played a key role in lobbying the IOC members’, down to the final vote in Singapore. Daley is also involved with two major charities, Laureus Sport for Good and Barnardo’s.

Daley spends his leisure time being run around by his four children.

Daley says...

"The Royal Parks are such invaluable spaces for leisure and exercise in our capital city. It’s important that people are encouraged to maintain fit and healthy lifestyles, from young children to adults, and have the arena in which to do so. Great races such as this are perfect opportunities to involve many people in the activity and promote the fun, and the challenge, of completing personal fitness goals."