Colin Campbell, who was the first British track and field athlete to appear at both a Summer and Winter Olympics, passed away on 23 December.
In 1968 and 1972, he competed in races at the summer Olympics, while in 1976 he joined the four-man GB bobsleigh team which finished 13th.
At the time, he was only the second British track and field athlete to have competed in both seasons’ Olympics, after Percy Legard.
A “legend” in more ways than one
The Jersey born and bred athlete also broke numerous national records for the 400m, 4 x 400m, and 800m.
Video: Colin Campbell shared some of his favourite memories with Express in 2016.
But, beyond international competition, he also made valuable contributions to island life.
Upon his return to Jersey and a stint in finance, Mr Campbell managed the then-new Fort Regent sports complex for eight years.
He went back into banking, specifically marketing, with his post sending him across the Middle East and southern Africa.
Pictured: Colin Campbell with the Fort Regent Management Committee in 1983.
Back in 1979, he helped found the Spartan Athletic Club and also helped set up the tennis facilities at Les Ormes before retiring in 2005.
Those incredible achievements and continuous community contributions were recognised by Jersey Sport in 2018, when they inducted him into their Hall of Fame.
“He was so humble”
David Kennedy, Jersey Sport CEO, said he was “deeply saddened” about Mr Campbell’s passing, describing him as “a true icon in Jersey’s sporting history”.
Pictured: Mr Campbell was one of the founders of the Spartan Athletic Club.
“He was not only a remarkable athlete but also an incredible ambassador for our island,” Mr Kennedy continued.
“I was lucky to hear from him at the Jersey Sport Awards in 2018 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his extraordinary feat of competing in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, as well as the Commonwealth Games.”
Pictured: Colin Campbell presenting the then-Lieutenant Governor with a cartoon of the Spartan Athletic Club in 1982.
“Despite his unbelievable success, he was so humble when receiving his award, and everyone was in awe of him,” Mr Kennedy recalled.
“He was such a legend and will be truly missed.”
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Shortly before his Hall of Fame accolade, Mr Campbell kindly treated Express to a tour of his home, sporting career and memorabilia…
The “sliding doors” moments that made Super Campbell
Some sporting stories are barely believable and Colin Campbell’s garlanded career safely belongs in that category.
The Corinthian spirit of sport in previous generations cannot be better exemplified as Mr Campbell became the first British track and field athlete to appear at both a Summer and Winter Olympics.
Pictured: Colin Campbell at his home.
“Yes, bobsleigh and running were my two,” he said. “And there was absolutely little or no forward planning for either!”
It all happened totally by chance as two ‘Sliding Doors’ moments in his life led to the pinnacle of sporting achievement…
