The documentary film, Daley: Olympic Superstar, offers an intimate portrait of the life and career of Daley Thompson, one of the greatest decathletes in sporting history. Airing on BBC Two on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 9:00 PM, the film tells the story of Daley’s remarkable athletic achievements and his journey from humble beginnings to Olympic glory.
Born Francis Morgan Ayodélé Thompson on July 30, 1958, Daley forged an exceptional athletic career. He became a dominant force in the decathlon, setting four world records and securing two Olympic gold medals, three Commonwealth titles, and victories in both the World and European Championships. Daley’s prowess in the decathlon was unprecedented, and he remained unbeaten in competition for nine years.
The film, with unprecedented access and rare archival footage, highlights Daley’s sporting triumphs and his personal struggles. It explores his journey from his early years to becoming the ultimate Olympian, achieving a level of athletic greatness that few have matched.
Daley was the first decathlete to hold a continental title and the first athlete in any athletics event to simultaneously hold Olympic, World, continental, and Commonwealth Games titles. He broke new ground by breaking the world record for the decathlon on four separate occasions.
Beyond his athletic career, the documentary also covers Daley’s post-retirement endeavours. In 1994, he embarked on a training stint with Reading Football Club, and in more recent years, he opened Daley Fitness, a gym in London. Daley has also ventured into the world of business, co-founding DT10 Sports in 2018 and launching a range of low-sugar protein shakes and sports bars.
Daley: Olympic Superstar airs on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, from 9:00 PM to 10:45 PM on BBC Two.
