Daley (2024)

Daley (2024). 1h 42m

“Daley Thompson was the complete athlete back in the 1980s. Winner of the Olympic gold medal in both the 1980 and 1984 Olympics.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHe was popularly known as Black superman in Britain. His videogame Daley Thompsonu0026#39;s decathlon was ann all time best seller of 1985 as well as damaging many a keyboard.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eIn his day Daley used to joke how he had the wrong physique for a decathlete. He was too muscular.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe documentary recalls Daleyu0026#39;s troubled childhood. His father left home when he was younger and was then later killed.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHe 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, Iu0026#39;m busy for the next two days. Come back afterwards.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eCaitlyn then predicted soon after that Daley Thompson would be the next Olympic Champion for the Decathlon.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWith 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe LA Olympics were very much geared towards Lewis when it came to track and field as he won multiple gold medals.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDaley 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHus 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe 1984 was the zenith of Daleyu0026#39;s performance in the decathlon and his rivalry with the legendary Jürgen Hingsen.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAfter 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.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eSince retirement in 1992, Daley dabbles in football and racing. The documentary has Daley accompanying his son Elliott Thompson who is following in his fatheru0026#39;s footsteps as a decathlete.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is a good reminder of how great Daley was back in the 1980s and how many others he inspired.”