Colemanballs

Just to pass the time while waiting for further updates from Hungary, a small collection of  running-related “Colemanballs” (for those readers from outside the UK, “Colemanballs” is a colloquial term for “goofs”, “gaffs” and “bloopers” made by sporting commentators, the name coming from David Coleman, a commentator well known for his frequent slips-of-the-tongue).

• “That’s the fastest time ever run – but it’s not as fast as the world record.” – David Coleman

• “…and there goes Juantorena down the back straight, opening his legs and showing his class.” – Ron Pickering

• Ross King discussing relays with champion runner Phil Redmond: “Well Phil, tell us about your amazing third leg.”

• “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.” – David Coleman

• “Linford Christie’s got a habit of pulling it out when it matters most.” – David Coleman

• “Yes, Ewan, I am doing the Chicago Marathon this year.” – Ewan Cameron : “How long’s that, then?”

• “The Great North Run is the longest half-marathon in the world.” – Talksport Radio

• When I lost my world record I took it like a man; I only cried for ten hours. – Daley Thompson

• “I went through a stage of feeling awful to one of feeling terrible. Once I started to feel terrible I was OK.” – Steve Ovett on the California Mile

• “One reason that Finland produces such great runners is that back home it costs $2.40 for gas.” – Esa Tikkanen, Finnish marathon runner.