David Coleman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Coleman
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Coleman in 1969
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| Born |
David Robert Coleman
26 April 1926 Alderley Edge, Cheshire, England
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| Died | 21 December 2013 (aged 87) Berkshire, England
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| Occupation | Sports commentator |
| Years active | 1954–2000 |
| Employer | BBC |
| Television |
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| Spouse(s) |
Barbara Manning
(m. 1952) |
| Children | 6 |
David Robert Coleman was a famous British sports commentator and TV presenter. He worked for the BBC for 46 years! David was born on April 26, 1926, and passed away on December 21, 2013.
He was known for covering many big sporting events. These included eleven Summer Olympic Games and six FIFA World Cups. He also hosted popular BBC sports shows like Grandstand and A Question of Sport.
David Coleman retired in 2000. That same year, he received a special award called the Olympic Order. This award recognized his amazing work for the Olympic movement.
Contents
Early Life and Start in Sports
David Coleman was born in Alderley Edge, Cheshire, England. His family came from County Cork in Ireland. When he was young, David loved to run. He was a good middle-distance runner in school.
In 1949, he even won the Manchester Mile race. An injury later stopped him from competing. But he stayed involved in athletics. He became the president of the Wolverhampton & Bilston Athletics Club.
Before joining the BBC, David worked as a reporter. He wrote for the Stockport Express newspaper. He also served in the British Army for a while. After the army, he became an editor for another newspaper.
David wanted to cover the 1952 Olympics. He couldn't compete because of an injury. So, he asked the BBC if he could help with their athletics coverage. This was his first step into broadcasting!
Joining the BBC
In 1954, David Coleman moved to Birmingham. He joined the BBC as a news assistant and sports editor. His first time on TV was for a show called Sportsview. This was on the same day that Roger Bannister ran the first four-minute mile. In 1955, he became the main sports editor for the BBC in the Midlands.
Hosting Grandstand
In 1958, David became the presenter for a new Saturday afternoon sports show. It was called Grandstand. He was the main host until 1968.
He also hosted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year show. This started in 1961. From 1968 to 1972, he presented Sportsnight. David also covered other big events like the Grand National horse race.
David Coleman was not just a presenter. He was also a fantastic sports commentator. He covered eleven Olympic Games, from 1960 to 2000. He also covered eight Commonwealth Games. In total, he worked on seven World Cups. He was both a commentator and a presenter for these events.
Football Commentary
From 1971, David Coleman was the BBC's main football commentator. He commentated on the World Cup Finals in 1974 and 1978. He also covered the European Cup Finals in 1973 and 1975.
He was the voice of the FA Cup final from 1972 to 1976. His last live football commentary was in 1979. It was a game between England and Scotland at Wembley Stadium.
Athletics Commentary
At the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico, David Coleman was famous for his fast commentary. He spoke very quickly during David Hemery's win in the 400m Hurdles. After the race, he couldn't tell who was third. He famously shouted, "Who cares who's third?" It turned out another British runner, John Sherwood, won the bronze medal!
People often praised David's ability to make sports exciting. In 1972, he even broadcast for hours during a difficult time. This was during the siege at the Munich Olympics. After 1984, David focused mainly on athletics commentary.
Tennis and Horse Racing
David Coleman was a big part of the BBC's Wimbledon tennis coverage. He hosted the live daytime shows from 1960 to 1969.
He also presented the Grand National horse race for 23 years. He covered it from 1961 to 1976, and again from 1978 to 1984.
A Question of Sport
David Coleman hosted the popular sports quiz show A Question of Sport. He was the host for 18 years, from 1979 to 1997. He had a great connection with the team captains. These included famous sports stars like Emlyn Hughes and Ian Botham.
David's funny mistakes and common phrases on air led to something special. A satirical magazine called Private Eye named its sports bloopers column Colemanballs in his honor.
Retirement and Awards
David Coleman stopped broadcasting after the 2000 Summer Olympics. In December 2000, he received the Olympic Order. This award was given by the head of the IOC. It was for his great service to the Olympic spirit.
David wanted a quiet retirement. He didn't want a big farewell from the BBC. But in 2011, the BBC aired a special program. It was called The Quite Remarkable David Coleman. This show celebrated his amazing life and career.
Personal Life and Honours
David Coleman married Barbara Manning in 1952. They had six children together. His daughter Anne, born in 1954, became a British show jumping champion. His son Michael, born in 1962, was a pilot in the Royal Air Force. He flew in the Gulf War in 1991.
In 1993, David was given the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) award. In 2000, he became the first journalist or broadcaster to receive the Olympic Order.
Death
David Coleman passed away on December 21, 2013. He was 87 years old. He died at his home in Berkshire after a short illness.
See also
In Spanish: David Coleman para niños
