David Coleman

[Butts]

Should this man be acknowledged as the greatest sports broadcaster of all time ?

He at various times fronted Grandstand, Match of the Day and Sportsnight with Coleman (the only host given this accolade). In addition he was a mainstay at the Olympics for decades and seemed to have an unrivalled grasp on the pursuit honed by years of experience and continuity.

At the time of Munich 1972 he was able to switch to serious news coverage as the Israeli hostage situation unfolded.

Additionally he hosted Quiz Ball and other regular TV programmes such as Question of Sport.

I don't think any of todays presenters could hold a candle to him , only Desmond Lynham perhaps came close and he's long gone from mainstream schedules.
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Blimey I know he retired after the Sydney Olympics in 2000 but I thought some people would remember him or have a view

 

[Butts]

Ah well he's gone now, perhaps someone else will have a comment ?

 

[Oswyntail]

I found his athletics coverage much more professional than today's commentators, who seem more interested in letting you know they are best mates with the athletes. Professionalism you could call it. And his reporting on Munich was way beyond anything today's lot could do. That said, he could also be irritating and inaccurate!
IIRC, Tony Gubba (who died earlier this year) was also granted the accolade of "Sportsnight with...." for a short time, until someone felt it sounded ludicrous.
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Should this man be acknowledged as the greatest sports broadcaster of all time ?...

Not in my opinion. I would give that title to Brian Johnston

 

[Arglwydd Golau]

I echo what has been said already, definitely the voice of (TV) sport from my younger days, I always liked his enthusiasm....and,to me at any rate, he never came across as fawning
....and, of course, he gave us 'Colemanballs'!
Greatest Sports commentator? Whilst Brian Johnston is up there with the best, for me it's got to be John Arlott

 

[w0033944]

As a motorsort enthusiast, I'd have to go with Murray Walker as "Greatest Sporting Commentator", but David Coleman was certainly a Great.

 

[Butts]

I echo what has been said already, definitely the voice of (TV) sport from my younger days, I always liked his enthusiasm....and,to me at any rate, he never came across as fawning
....and, of course, he gave us 'Colemanballs'!
Greatest Sports commentator? Whilst Brian Johnston is up there with the best, for me it's got to be John Arlott

Are they not both Cricket Commentators whereas Coleman was to use a cricketing metaphor "an all rounder"
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I found his athletics coverage much more professional than today's commentators, who seem more interested in letting you know they are best mates with the athletes. Professionalism you could call it. And his reporting on Munich was way beyond anything today's lot could do. That said, he could also be irritating and inaccurate!
IIRC, Tony Gubba (who died earlier this year) was also granted the accolade of "Sportsnight with...." for a short time, until someone felt it sounded ludicrous.
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Not in my opinion. I would give that title to Brian Johnston

I don't remember "Sportsnight with Gubba" - it does sound correct !!

Talking of Tony Gubba do you remember his brother also on BBC, what was his name again ?

 

[Cletus]

I always remember from his football commentaries when a goal was scored "1-0"

Spitting Image probably harmed his reputation (not as much as Spitting Image harmed David Steel though).


Some of his ColemanBalls:-

That's the fastest time ever run - but it's not as fast as the world record

The Republic of China - back in the Olympic Games for the first time

And the line up for the final of the Women's 400 metres hurdles includes three Russians, two East Germans, a Pole, a Swede and a Frenchman.

And here's Moses Kiptanui - the 19-year-old Kenyan who turned 20 a few weeks ago

He just can't believe what's not happening to him

One of the great unknown champions, because very little is known about him

It's gold or nothing...and it's nothing. He comes away with the silver medal

He's 31 this year. Last year he was 30

Here are some names to look forward to, perhaps in the future

There is Brendan Foster, by himself with 20,000 people

The Republic of China - back in the Olympic Games for the first time

We estimate, and this isn't an estimation, that Greta Waitz is 80 seconds behind

He is accelerating all the time. The last lap was run in 64 seconds and the one before in 62

 

[DarloRich]

Goals pay the rent and Keegan does his shift:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKYiN0aUB8w&feature=youtu.be (2.56)