David Coleman (26 April 1926 – 21 December 2013)
David Coleman died after a very short illness. He will always bee remembered affectionately as the commentator who’s malapropisms and attempts to describe a colourful escapade with tortured language led to a new concept called colemanballs.
He covered 11 Olympics and numerous other sporting events but in the ears of many it will be his funny and daft sayings which will always bring a smile. here are some of his classic.
“He is one of the great unknown champions because very little is known about him.”
“If that had gone in, it would have been a goal.”
“We estimate, and this isn’t an estimation, that Greta Waltz is 80 seconds behind.”
“He is accelerating all the time. The last lap was run in 64 seconds and the one before in 62.”
“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.”
“The front wheel crosses the finish line, closely followed by the back wheel.”
“The Republic of China: back in the Olympic Games for the first time.”
“That’s the fastest time ever run, but it’s not as fast as the world record.”
“Forest have now lost six matches without winning.”
“There is a fine line between serendipity and stalking.”
“This evening is a very different evening from the morning we had this morning.”
“He’s seven seconds ahead and that’s a good question.”
“I think there is no doubt, she’ll probably qualify for the final.”
“If that had gone in, it would have been a goal.”
“There’s going to be a real ding-dong when the bell goes.”
“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.”
“Morcelli has the four fastest 1,500 metre times ever. And all those times are at 1,500 metres.”
“In a moment we hope to see the pole vault over the satellite.”
“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.”
“Ingrid Kristiansen has smashed the world record, running the 5,000 metres in 14:58:09. Truly amazing. Incidentally, this is a personal best for Ingrid Kristiansen.”
“Don’t tell those coming in the final result of that fantastic match, but let’s just have another look at Italy’s winning goal.”
“For those of you watching who do not have television sets, live commentary is on Radio 2.”