Colin Jackson in Barcelona (© Philippe Fitte)
23 November 2012 – Barcelona, Spain – The IAAF Centenary weekend will be seeing some of the world’s biggest stars of the present and past grace the celebrations. We put Great Britain’s two-time former World 110m Hurdles champion Colin Jackson under the spotlight and asked her 10 quick-fire questions, a few serious, a few fun, on Friday (23).
Who is your favourite athlete of the last 100 years?
Daley Thompson
What has been your favourite moment of the past 100 years?
The 1991 World Championships 100m final. I remember everyone was talking about Leroy Burrell. He was the World record-holder at the time but Carl Lewis really turned it on when it mattered.
If you could change one thing in the world of athletics what would it be?
Make it more visual. Get it out there more. Have more competitions. I would like to see that.
Name one reason why people should choose athletics?
Because it is the purest sport of all. Every kid can run, jump and throw and what makes it really special is performing in front of a stadium with thousands of people.
Where do you think athletics will be 100 years from now?
I think the events will be the same. Some events will be amazing, we’ll see sub-two hour marathons and we’ll definitely see sub-1:40 800m. I just hope I’m still alive to see it.
Do you have a favourite competition venue?
Rome. I just remember the perfect conditions. Always warm, still and it was such a fast track.
If anyone could play your life in a film who would it be?
It would have to be Will Smith. There’s a playful, fun and a serious side to him and I think I’ve got all of those points.
Is there one athlete you are most excited about watching at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow?
That’s a tough question. Can I pick three? My top three would be Mo Farah, Usain Bolt and Aries Merritt, because I think Aries can run a bit quicker than his 12.80 World record.
If you could pick three athletes as dinner party guests at any point in history who would you pick and why?
Daley Thompson, because he would keep me laughing and Kriss Akabusi for the same reason. My third guest would be Heike Drechsler because she was the first person I ever saw break a World record in the flesh (at the 1986 European Championships).
If you could bake a cake for the IAAF 100th anniversary what would it be and why?
I would bake a bounty cake made of chocolate and coconut because that’s what I like to eat!
Steve Landells for the IAAF