Thompson embroiled in yet more controversy

Press, 31 July 1986, Page 28

Thompson embroiled in yet more controversy

From

ROD DEW

Daley Thompson, of England, had barely had time to take his decathlon gold medal off his neck before he was embroiled in another controversy. British newspapers yesterday told their readers that the world’s greatest all-round athlete had told a Games official to “piss off’ when he had been asked to attend the traditional press conference after his win.

The response of the English team management has been to ask journalists to obtain permission for all Interviews, even those after medal ceremonies, from the track and field team manager.

The request is obviously unworkable, and seems u strange reaction to what was essentially an abusive exchange between Thompson and a former president of the Scottish Amateur Athletic Association, Mr Colin Shields. The English team management has apologised to Mr Shields, although Thompson apparently remains unrepentant. The row blew up after Thompson had concluded an interview for television.

“I asked him to come and give a press interview, and he said he wouldn’t,” said Mr Shields, who was the press officer. “I said I thought he had misunderstood.”

Thompson had then said: “Don’t you understand the bloody English language? I told you I bloody wasn’t coming. Now piss off.” Earlier, Thompson, was threatened with disqualification from the decathlon for blanking out the name of the sponsor, Guinness, on his singlet. He atoned for this on the second day by wearing the name on the front and back of his singlet, and on a cloth collar around his neck.

Members of the English team management were yesterday asked how they controlled Thompson. The answer came back, swiftly: “We can’t. He is Daley Thompson and you all know what he is like.”