The 57-year-old Colin Jackson reveals a lifelong hidden battle in a compelling new documentary about resilience and triumph.
Sometimes the most captivating stories in sport are not just about the glory but the battles fought behind the scenes.
Colin Jackson, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in Welsh history, has stunned fans with a deeply personal revelation in his new BBC Cymru Wales documentary Colin Jackson: Resilience.
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In the film, Jackson opens up about a hidden illness he has carried throughout his stellar career, spanning over five decades.
"I met Colin as a 14-year-old," recalls his former coach Malcolm Arnold.
"He said he was going to make it as a professional athlete, which was quite a bold statement for a young lad."
Little did Arnold know that Jackson’s journey would not only include world titles and a record-breaking career but also a private struggle that remained unknown until now.
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Jackson’s 50-year secret centers on a serious hidden illness that, remarkably, never deterred him from becoming a two-time world champion and an Olympic silver medalist.
In the documentary, the 57-year-old reflects on the challenges of balancing his health with the demands of elite athletics, while delivering jaw-dropping performances on the world stage.
Despite the odds, Jackson maintained a career that redefined hurdling and inspired generations of athletes.
“Everybody has a talent. Racing was my talent,” he explains.
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His mother Angela always believed in his potential, and Jackson’s incredible journey began as a teenager when he won silver at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.
From there, he climbed to the pinnacle of the sport, setting a world record of 12.91 seconds in the 110m hurdles—a record that stood for 13 years.
However, Jackson reveals in the documentary that he was dealing with a health issue that required immense fortitude.
"You cannot fathom the depth of depression you go into," he admits, reflecting on moments where the weight of his hidden battle threatened to overwhelm him.
Despite these struggles, his dedication and work ethic ensured his place among the world’s best.
By the time the Barcelona Olympics rolled around in 1992, Jackson was the favorite for gold.
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Yet, a decision to skip proper preparation for the second round led to a torn oblique muscle—a devastating injury that dashed his Olympic dreams. "
"You accept it if somebody's better than you," says Jackson.
That setback haunted him, but his resilience never wavered. A year later, he roared back to claim his first world title in a record-breaking run.
Over the years, he added more accolades to his name, cementing his legacy as one of the finest athletes in track and field history. However, the shadow of his illness was always there, a quiet reminder of the sacrifices he made for his sport.
Hard work and technique were key to Jackson’s success as the former Olympic champion hurdler Sally Gunnell praised his smooth hurdling style, saying, "He would clip, but not clip, the tops of the hurdles."
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That precision was the hallmark of a man who left no stone unturned in his quest for greatness—even as he silently managed his condition.
Despite the heartbreak of three Olympic finals where gold eluded him, Jackson insists he feels complete.
"It took a whole year for that [Barcelona] loss to vanish," he shares. Yet, the lessons he learned on and off the track shaped a man who continues to inspire with his story of perseverance.
The documentary sheds light on the sacrifices, triumphs, and trials that defined Jackson’s career, painting a portrait of an athlete who never let adversity define him.
"At that time, he was a bit of a skinny wimp," Arnold jokes, recalling Jackson’s early days.
But Jackson proved the doubters wrong, rising to become one of Wales’ greatest sporting legends.
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Jackson’s revelations about his hidden illness add a new layer to his remarkable story, highlighting the resilience and fortitude that made him an icon.
"You go from hero to zero in the blink of an eye," he says.
"But I wouldn’t change a thing."