Colin Jackson: The Autobiography

by Colin Jackson, David Conn

Colin Jackson's stature as one of the most celebrated of British athletes is assured; those who have watched his astonishing performances have marvelled at the sprint hurdler's effortless agility and breathtaking speed. With 25 major championship medals under his belt, there is little doubt that he is the most considerable athlete his particular sport has ever known. Colin Jackson: The Autobiography has arrived at a significant moment, just after the athlete announced his retirement after 20 years of top-level competition. As readers of sports autobiographies know to their cost, such books can be by-rote, self-congratulatory accounts of sporting successes, but this is something different. While Jackson discusses such career bests as his breaking of the World Outdoor 110 metres record in Stuttgart in the 1990s, he is also prepared to talk about the bleak moments, such as his less-than-impressive showing at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics after an injury KO'd his chances. And Jackson's life has much more to it than sport: there are affecting passages here on the unexpected death of his fellow athlete Ross Baillie and his acrimonious break-up with friend and business partner Linford Christie. But it is writing about his sport that Jackson (aided by top sports journalist David Conn) really excels at: he makes it clear the nothing less than total dedication is involved in being a winner, and he is unsparing about the consequences of drugs. There is an unvarnished account, too, of the corruption Jackson has encountered in the sports business over the years. This is one of the most impressive of sports autobiographies written. --Barry Forshaw

Genres: Sports, Biography

223 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lukas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight into how a top level hurdler trains and prepares for competition. interesting to see shifts of an athletes confidence going through injuries and changes in their personal life. Overall a super enjoyable and easy book to read, from an incredible pro.

[Pamela Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been a huge athletics fan since the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. I have read a lot of athletes' autobiographies and been to a lot of meets. Colin Jackson is a hero of mine. Other reviewers have said he is full of himself. Have they not watched the start of 100m races, where the competitors all strut and posture. They need to, to win!

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

The details behind one of the greatest hurdlers the world has ever seen. I don't understand some of the animosity in other reviews . . . you do realize this is a memoir, right? I think he succeeds in communicating the experiences he had during his athletics career, on and off the track. Interesting and enjoyable.

[Andy Gibson · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a horrible self absorbed arrogant egomaniac Colin Jackson is. How many times does he mention is World Records? How many quotes of other people saying how great he is does he use?

There is really nothing to this book. Just a diary of events he won and reasons why he did not win - basically because he got himself injured repeatedly.

A truly dreadful read. If you have any desire to continue to like Colin Jackson, don't read it!

[D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of my sporting heroes

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointed. I knew was written prior to media career but boy does he like himself. Liked him a lot as athlete and commentator but this shows him in different light.