Daley Thompson Showed Me the Value of Friendship in Sport

You might expect the new Daley Thompson documentary to focus on his two Olympic gold medals in 1980 and 1984, world records, and incredible performances under pressure. While those aspects are highlighted, the documentary delves deeper into themes such as father-son relationships, life’s turning points, and the transformative influence of key figures shaping us.

Airing on Tuesday on BBC Two, “Daley: Olympic Superstar” offers glimpses into Thompson’s life, including his challenging childhood. Thompson revisits the moment he learned about his estranged father’s death and contemplates why his mother never attended his races—questions informed by his own experiences as a father.

From being sent to boarding school at age seven, Thompson’s early need for independence and self-reliance translated into the resilience seen in his athletic career. Peers like Sharron Davies and Caitlyn Jenner provide insights, along with journalists who were often captivated by his candid provocations. However, it is the interviews with Thompson’s long-term West German rival, Jürgen Hingsen, that are truly mesmerizing.

Despite being evenly matched competitors, Thompson consistently bested Hingsen in Olympic decathlons. However, their rivalry gave way to a close friendship and lasting bond, supporting each other through life’s hardships.

The motif of father-son relationships and the impact of absent fathers is a recurring theme. For the film’s director and Thompson’s close friend Vadim Jean, this theme holds personal significance, which is possibly why it resonates so deeply.

One of the documentary’s most touching moments occurs when Thompson tells his first coach, Bob Mortimer, that he is the closest thing Thompson ever had to a father. It’s an awkward yet poignant exchange that adds layers of vulnerability and need for affection to this sports icon.

The role of coaches in an athlete’s life is highlighted as pivotal, transcending just the scores and achievements. Thompson’s journey into fatherhood reveals he’s as challenged by parenting as by any athletic competition.

A particularly moving part of the documentary is Thompson’s quest for a third Olympic gold at the Seoul Olympics, where he finished fourth. The physical toll on his body was undeniable, yet his positive outlook remained unwavering: “As long as you’ve given your absolute best, you’ve won.” This serves as a reminder that the most inspiring stories in Paris will not just involve the winners.

Years later, I met Thompson at a Spanish sports complex. He was training a footballer and mingling with friends. Without hesitation, he quizzed us about our training routines and rowing machine scores, always eager for a new challenge and companionship.

For Thompson, sport has always been about training with friends and pushing each other beyond their limits. When asked about the film’s message, Thompson summed it up: most of us can do better than we think, and striving to improve daily, whether in running or relationships, is what makes a good life.

Members of the training groups featured in the documentary remain close friends, many still training at Battersea Park track on Saturday mornings. Not all are former athletes—some, like a musician named Johnny and a physiotherapist named Barry, along with film director Vadim Jean, trained just as fiercely as any Olympian.

After a disappointing result at the Sydney Olympics left me in mental turmoil, my conversations with Thompson proved enlightening. He advised that if we enjoy what we do, it can’t be that bad, and if we think we can improve, we should keep trying. His philosophy: sport must be fun.

Though I eventually left the rowing team, training with Thompson and his friends reinvigorated my passion for sport. The camaraderie and challenges spurred me to improve both physically and mentally. Despite not being under the Olympic system, I found myself in better shape than ever.

Thompson and Vadim Jean followed my return to rowing and attended my Olympic final in Athens to cheer me on. They taught me invaluable lessons about pushing oneself and the indispensable role of joy and friendship in sport.

Source: The Guardian