Daley

Daley Thompson was a superstar. A genuine icon. If like me, you up in 80s Britain, Thompson was the athletics hero. Yes there were football players that we'd pretend to be whilst playing, but if you were running, jumping, throwing, you wanted to be Daley. Thompson you see was a Decathlon champion. This is an all star account with contributions from Seb Coe, Linford Christie, Caitlyn Jenner, Sharron Davies, Colin Jackson, Tessa Sanderson, Steve Cram and many more. One thing the athletics community does brilliantly, is rally around to support and celebrate its own. It's a story with a sad start, a difficult childhood, bad things happening focusing a child on looking forward, being positive. We're not all like this of course, but this is a clear cornerstone of Thompson's life... drive. That drive opened doors, well that along with being grease lightning on the running track. The 70s were a different era for track and field. Little structure, zero finance. You're doing it on your own, for the love of it. Daley: Olympic Superstar is built around a mix of old archive and the present day, with Daley now there for his son also competing. It makes for a really well rounded picture of the man. Winning sprint races, his trainer, Bob says "Do you know what a Decathlon is?". If ever there's a faithful moment, this is it. He's 16, never even tried 7 of the 10 disciplines, gets entered for a last minute event and as he sits there now in a sweatshirt and a grey beard telling the story, with a smile on his face he says "Guess who wins". On his way, he's soon bending Bruce Jenner's ear at the 76' Olympic Games in Montreal. Then hitting his stride in Moscow in 1980. The archive footage is lovely and not just the televised stuff, there's lots of shots running round freezing looking streets and training in barren looking gyms, all with that focused stare of a man selfishly obsessed with being the very best. It's a cracking story of a bloke striving and being rewarded for the monumental effort. Gold Medals, sponsorships, those iconic Lucozade TV ads that got me addicted to the stuff and the computer game that I spent hours plugged into my Commodore64. He was everywhere! Sadly another thing that was everywhere in the 80s was the NF and rampant racism. Having Daley then as an icon holding Olympic, European and Commonwealth Titles simultaneously was an even bigger deal that he was black, even though he states it's his actions that define him rather than his colour. Some of those actions though are questionable. It's not all happy happy joy joy, with fame and success comes press intrusion... and competition is never far away. That competition comes in 84 at the LA Olympics. I'm not going to say anymore, but it's brilliant and wonderfully put together. He was an incredible athlete, but not without a prickly side and that courts controversy. Another layer that makes this all the more riveting to watch.

"Daley: Olympic Superstar" is a captivating documentary that masterfully weaves the remarkable story of one of the greatest Olympic athletes of all time. The film takes viewers on a journey through the life and career of an icon, demonstrating not only Daley's extraordinary physical prowess but also the broader cultural and sporting impact of his legacy.

The documentary eamlessly blends archival footage with insightful interviews and personal reflections. The filmmakers do an excellent job of capturing the highs and lows of Daley's career, highlighting the dedication, grit, and determination that made him a champion.

What truly sets "Daley: Olympic Superstar" apart is its focus on the cultural significance of Daley's achievements. His victories transcended the world of athletics, inspiring countless individuals globally and breaking down barriers in sport. The documentary underscores how his influence extended beyond the track and field, becoming a symbol of perseverance and excellence in the broader public consciousness. In exploring these themes, the film provides a thoughtful reflection on what it means to be a global sports icon.

Whether you are a fan of sports or not, "Daley: Olympic Superstar" is a deeply inspiring watch. It highlights the power of human resilience and the way sports can unite and elevate us all. With its skillful storytelling and profound insights, this documentary does justice to a true legend.

Daley Thompson was the complete athlete back in the 1980s. Winner of the Olympic gold medal in both the 1980 and 1984 Olympics.

He was popularly known as Black superman in Britain. His videogame Daley Thompson's decathlon was ann all time best seller of 1985 as well as damaging many a keyboard.

In his day Daley used to joke how he had the wrong physique for a decathlete. He was too muscular.

The documentary recalls Daley's troubled childhood. His father left home when he was younger and was then later killed.

The young Daley took on athletics at a time when it was a truly amateur sport. He was chuffed to get early sponsorship from Adidas whio gave him a free pair of trainers.

He made the British Olympic team for the Montreal games in 1976. Gold medal winner Caitlyn Jenner then Bruce Jenner recalls how the young Daley pestered him for advice and assistance. He told Daley go away kid, I'm busy for the next two days. Come back afterwards.

Caitlyn then predicted soon after that Daley Thompson would be the next Olympic Champion for the Decathlon.

With success also came controversy. Swimmer Sharron Davies remarked that Daley was a bit mad. In the 1984 Olympics Daley successfully defended his title, then whistled through the national anthem. Made some suggestive comments about Princess Anne. Then heavily implied that Carl Lewis might be gay.

The LA Olympics were very much geared towards Lewis when it came to track and field as he won multiple gold medals.

Daley could also be supportive of his friends. When Sebastian Coe came second in the 800 meters to Steve Ovett in the 1980 Olympics. He pulled Seb out of the doldrums and told him to get out an win the gold in the 1500 metres.

Hus mischievous side is in evidence yet again in the 1984 Olympics. Boycotts meant there would be few defending gold medallists in the 1984 Olympics. Daley was hoping that Seb would not win the 1500 meters again.

The 1984 was the zenith of Daley's performance in the decathlon and his rivalry with the legendary Jürgen Hingsen.

After that injuries took his toll. Daley failed to defend his World title and was just outside the medals in the Seoul Olympics where he took part with injuries.

Since retirement in 1992, Daley dabbles in football and racing. The documentary has Daley accompanying his son Elliott Thompson who is following in his father's footsteps as a decathlete.

This is a good reminder of how great Daley was back in the 1980s and how many others he inspired.

An excellent journey through the ups and downs of one of UKs finest athletes. From the beginning it sets the tone for this man's incredible journey navigating through the highs, lows and heartbreaking disappointments which are part and parcel of professional sport. His life is reviewed through his personal and professional relationships. It's easy to see how his larger than life persona made him a character among friends and associates. His tough upbringing set the tone for his determination to be the best and is incredibly inspiring for any young athlete chasing greatness. It highlights the reality that there are no shortcuts to the peak only hard work, sacrifice and discipline. Highly recommended documentary that will have you falling in love with a man you've never met. Excellent work by all involved.

Watching this brought back so many memories of times in our own development and youth, I wish I had his discipline! It was very moving to see how Daley could overcome his challenges on and off his personal journey.

He really inspired me then and it's so wonderful to see him being celebrated as the true professional he is .

A truly deserving tribute to an icon of his day .

I particularly loved the old grain in the filming no AI in those days ! Atmospheric and raw .

Beautiful work that brings back reality and how awkward being in the public eye used to be !

So real and nostalgic A must see.

Highly recommend.