David-Coleman-Obituary

David Coleman

1926 - 2013

Obituary

LONDON (AP) — David Coleman, a British sports broadcaster who covered 11 Summer Olympics for the BBC and six World Cups, has died. He was 87.

A family statement Saturday said he died with family at his bedside after a short illness. No other details were disclosed.

Coleman retired from the BBC in 2000 after covering the Sydney Olympics. He became the first broadcaster to receive an Olympic Order medal to recognize his contribution to the Olympics.

BBC director of sport Barbara Slater described Coleman as "one of broadcasting's most authoritative and identifiable voices that graced so many pinnacle sporting moments." Slater added that in Coleman's BBC career of more than 40 years "he set the standard that so many others have tried to emulate."

British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "Sad to hear David Coleman has died — the voice of BBC Sport for as long as I can remember."

Coleman's breathless style of commentary invariably led to gaffes and he was frequently lampooned. He was the subject of a regular column in the satirical magazine Private Eye, with its "Colemanballs" feature documenting commentators' gaffes to this day. Coleman was said to like the title and one of his own gaffes included, "That's the fastest time ever run, but it's not as fast as the world record."

Paula Radcliffe, the women's marathon world record holder, called Coleman "a true master in his field and voice to so many of our iconic sporting moments."

Former England soccer star Gary Lineker tweeted that Coleman was "a giant of sports broadcasting. Brilliant, gifted, precise and concise."

Coleman was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to broadcasting in 1992.


Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

My condolences to the family.
May the God of comfort provide you with the strength needed to cope with your loss.

my condolence,may you be comforted by these words,"happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted."matt.5:4.....b

The BBC has lost a giant of broadcasting. Watching the World Cup hearing David's golden voice, it was like being in the stands in person. He brought excitement to the games and in doing the Olympics. Now he has brought his golden voice to heaven now. The savior that gave us life will bless and give comfort to David and his family at this time of sorrow. Rest in Peace David. Thank you for the great broadcasting career you left us. You will never be forgotten.

May God remember him personally. Malachi3:16

"Our Father in the heavens, may your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth" (Matthew 6:9,10). May we all see the day when this promise is fulfilled and we will see our loved ones again.

The death of a loved one can bring sadness to all who valued him as a spouse, a father, a brother, or a friend. David was a great guy and a talented sports broadcaster. At times like these, my hope is that you rely upon the Almighty, roll upon him your pain and your anguish; he will act for you and grant you the comfort you need.

To the family and friends of David Coleman sorry for the loss of your loved one. Happy are those who mourn, since they will be comforted Matthew 5:4

Dear Family,

I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to you. I do understand how hard it can be when a loved one has been taken by death. The pain, the grief, and the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times, we need to go to God's Word for comfort.