Colin Jackson Reveals 50-Year Secret About His Hidden Illness and TV Journey
Colin Jackson opens up about his hidden illness and life experiences in a new documentary airing soon
Colin Jackson, Cardiff, Wales, Olympics, BBC, Documentary, Health
Cardiff: Colin Jackson is back in the spotlight with a new BBC documentary that dives into his life as a world-class hurdler. The show airs on Tuesday night and promises to be a real eye-opener.
At 57, Colin is now a familiar face on BBC athletics coverage. He’s had an incredible career, racking up medals and breaking records. But despite all his success, he never snagged that elusive Olympic gold, which still stings.
He’s not just a sports legend; Colin has faced some tough times off the track too. For 50 years, he kept a significant part of himself hidden, battling a serious health issue that he’s finally ready to talk about.
In the documentary, he’ll also revisit the painful moments after his Olympic heartbreak. After winning silver in Seoul, he was a favorite for gold in Barcelona but ended up finishing seventh due to an injury. That led to some harsh criticism, and he admits it took a toll on him.
Colin came out as gay at 50 during a Swedish TV appearance, which surprised many. He had previously denied it, but he felt it was time to be honest, especially after a tabloid story forced his hand. His parents were supportive, which made a huge difference for him.
On top of that, Colin has been dealing with a degenerative condition that made daily life a struggle. He’s been in constant pain but recently underwent stem cell treatment, which has made a world of difference. He’s feeling much better now and is even back to enjoying walks in his hilly neighborhood.
Colin has also opened up about his past battles with eating disorders while training for the Olympics. He pushed himself to the limit, thinking being lighter would help him run faster, but it took a toll on his health.
He even tried his hand at reality TV on Strictly Come Dancing, where he made it to the finals but faced criticism for his performance. Despite the backlash, he stood by his choreographer’s bold choices, showing his willingness to take risks.
Don’t miss the documentary, Legends of Welsh Sport, airing on BBC One Wales at 10.40pm on Tuesday. It’s sure to be a heartfelt look at Colin’s journey.