Former Decathlete and gold medal winner, Daley Thompson, has recently been helping runners train for the Brighton half marathon as part of the fundraisers running for sports charity Laureus.
Men’s Running’s Isaac Williams managed to catch up with the Olympic champion:
Q) What made you choose the Decathlon?
A) I knew I could be the best at it. It’s as simple as that.
Q) Among your numerous titles, what was your favourite run?
A) Interesting question. I’m not sure I have one. What makes me proud, when I look back, is not a single race or victory, but the fact that I had a career in the sport that spanned 15 years, especially when most athletes are lucky to last five, at their peak.
Q) What’s the most important lesson that sport has taught you?
A) Two things: firstly, if you want something and you’re willing to fight for it, then anything is possible. Secondly, it’s taught me that there are so many nice people out there. I’ve met a few disagreeable characters, but in general, there aren’t many people from the world of sport who I don’t get along with.
Q) Who, if anyone, is your sporting hero?
A) There isn’t one single individual. But, the people who I admire the most are the day-to-day runners and athletes who are doing it not for glory or fame, but for sheer love of sport. I used to see guys like Seb Coe and Steve Redgrave with their huge teams of people, who go unnoticed – but they’re the real stars.
Q) What’s your biggest disappointment?
A) That my career didn’t last longer than 15 years. Being a professional sportsman is the best job in the world.
Q) What medal are you most proud of?
A) There isn’t one, because the medals I won were won on hard work and self-belief – I knew I was going to win them. I’m most proud of the fact that I have five beautiful kids.
Q) What’s your guilty pleasure?
A) Burger and chips, twice a month.
Q) Describe yourself as a sportsman in one word.
A) The best.
Daley Thompson is an ambassador for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, official charity partner to the Vitality Run Series. To find out more and fundraise for Laureus, please visit www.laureus.com/run
