Latest news with #ColinJackson
Powys County Times
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Keep active this summer by joining a Powys sports club
We all know that it's good for us to be active and keep moving and, in Powys, there are so many fun ways to do just that this summer. If you'd like to try something new, then you're in luck because Sport Powys has designed the Let's Go Powys website to help you find ways to be active. Let's Go Powys/ Amdani Powys is designed to make it easier for people to find sports and activity opportunities across the county. It is a website which offers plenty of inspiration for adults of all ages and abilities. And with the warmer months one of the most popular times to try a fun new activity, we've put together a guide to getting active in Powys this summer. ARCHERY If you fancy the idea of shooting arrows until the sun sets, then look no further than the county's archery clubs. Cambrian Archers in Llanwrtyd Wells meets every Sunday with 'have a go sessions' for non-members taking place once a month. No experience or equipment needed – just turn up and have some fun. Likewise, Hafren Foresters Archery Club outside Newtown welcomes people of all ages and abilities. It works hard to encourage those with mobility issues and disabilities with inclusive equipment and expert instruction on hand. Give archery a go and you'll be in excellent company as Powys' own Megan Costall represents Great Britain and is aiming squarely towards the LA Olympic Games in 2028. ATHLETICS If you want to tick off some goals this summer and maybe set a new PB, then why not go along to your local athletics club? There are friendly clubs at Brecon, Newtown and Welshpool that will all offer a warm welcome to newbies. Don't feel you need the skills and speed of Colin Jackson or Jess Ennis, there are plenty of opportunities to take things at your own pace. BOWLING Make the most of summer evenings and join your local bowling club. Sol Jones is a member of Kerry Bowling Club. He said: 'Bowling is a very enjoyable sport, it's challenging and you can play in a team so it's sociable. Clubs right across Powys will welcome new members with open arms. No-one expects you be to be an expert at the start and you can often borrow a set of bowls to have a go and there's always someone on hand to help. Ask your local club about events for new members too.' Budding bowlers are spoilt for choice with clubs in Powys. Clubs include Brecon, Carno, Crickhowell, Hay on Wye, Kerry, Knighton, Llandrindod and Newtown. CRICKET Is there anything more summery than hearing the sound of leather on willow? We're already in the middle of cricket season with long, sunny days stretching out at clubs across Powys. Cricket's a brilliant sport for your health. It's a great physical workout but it's also a really good way to be part of your local community, which benefits your mental health. Former Glamorgan player Mark Frost, and Cricket Wales' Partnership manager, said: "2025 is a great year to get involved or reacquainted with cricket. There's no age - or stage - that prevents anyone getting involved in the game as it has so many options and ways to get involved, whether you are five or 65. 'The numbers of women and girls taking up the game has soared. Many women have come to cricket through their children or partner, taking up the game well into their adult years. 55% of clubs in Wales now have a women's team.' There are clubs up and down Powys which include Glangrwyney Llangenny & Gilwern Cricket Club near Abergavenny, Welshpool, Newtown and Llanidloes. CROQUET Looking for something a little different? You could try your hand at croquet. And don't think this is just the stuff of period dramas like Downton Abbey. Head over to Llanidloes Croquet Club which provides friendly, social and competitive croquet for all ages and abilities. Coaches are available to help you improve your game; perfect for a croquet beginner. CYCLING You don't have to make like Geraint Thomas in the Tour de France to get some fitness goals ticked off on your bike. Cycling is a great way to explore the county in the summer months – and if you're looking for some extra motivation or a spot of company on your rides, maybe it's time to try a cycling club. Just head to Lets' Go Powys to find one near you. If you like your cycling with a good dose of adrenalin, then head to Revolution Bike Park. Based in Llangynog near Oswestry, it is a family run, dedicated downhill mountain bike park with a pre-bookable uplift service. Open at weekends, just grab a full-face helmet and knee pads which are compulsory when hitting the trails here. GOLF In Powys, we are totally spoilt for choice when it comes to golf courses. From charming nine-holes at Newtown, Lakeside and Machynlleth to 18-hole courses at Welshpool and Builth Wells, expect beautiful scenic backdrops, friendly communities and great golfing experiences. Clubs are always on the lookout for new members – particularly more females and more juniors – so keep an eye out for social and beginners golf classes. HORSE-RIDING AND PONY TREKKING If you're looking to mix things up a bit, why not try horse riding or pony trekking in the heart of Mid Wales? Powys, with its rolling hills, quiet bridleways, and breathtaking views, is the perfect place to saddle up and explore. Whether you're a complete beginner or just a bit rusty, there's something truly special about seeing the world from horseback. Bryngwyn Riding Centre – which also runs Bryngwyn RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) – is a small, friendly riding stables on the Powys-Herefordshire border. Or head to the family-run Ellesmere Riding Centre near Llangorse. PICKLEBALL Join the trendsetters and have a go at pickleball. It's a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis – and it's really taking off in popularity! Pickleball clubs in Powys include Llanfair Pickleball, North Powys Pickleball and Tawe Pickleball Club. Traditional tennis clubs and local leisure centres also often offer pickleball. Berriew Tennis Club, for example, suggests popping along to a session to give pickleball a try while Maldwyn Leisure Centre offers sessions on Wednesday evenings. TENNIS From Brecon to Berriew and Llandrindod to Llanidloes, you don't have to look far to find a tennis club in Powys. Most clubs will offer a free taster session and it's worth looking out for open days as we approach peak tennis season. Becoming a member of a club helps motivate you to keep playing. By playing with and against others, the sense of accountability helps you commit to turning up week after week. TRIATHLON If you really want a challenge this summer, then how about triathlon? Cerist Triathlon Club near Machynlleth is sounding the klaxon for new members – and they are spelling out that you don't need to do a full triathlon to get stuck in. If you just want to bike a bit, run a bit or swim a bit, you are more than welcome. The club offers regular sessions, competitions and social runs and bike rides. WALKING Summer's a perfect time to get outside, especially if you head out early before the sun gets too hot. Walking is of course brilliant for your physical and mental health. And that's why, Mid & North Powys Mind offer walk and talk groups in Llandrindod, Builth, Newtown and Welshpool to help boost your endorphins and to combat loneliness and anxiety. You can also put your best foot forward with Rhayader Walkers. Meanwhile, if you're a practical type and would like to make walking more accessible, why not join Walking Newtown which is a group of volunteers that meet to clear paths, replace gates and stiles and build bridges in the area. If you're a bit bored of your usual routes, Rail Rambles offer guided walks starting and finishing from a railway station in Wales or the borders. You can expect a six-to-ten-mile stomp before catching the train home. Simply head to the website, select a walk and buy a return train ticket – and then it's full steam ahead for some great exploring! Or simply, make it your mission to head out of your front door for a walk, increasing your steps over time. WATERSPORTS There's no better time than summer to cool down and dip into a watersport. From canoeing and sailing to kayaking and paddleboarding, there are plenty of clubs and opportunities to make a safe splash across Powys. Take Brecon Canoe Club Brecon Canoe Club which is a community club for beginners who want a spot of fun and fitness on the water to those who want to be competitive. Clywedog Sailing and Paddlesports Club offer weekly sessions in paddlesports and sailing. Its well equipped clubhouse has everything you need to get started so don't about equipment – or experience, for that matter, as instructors are on hand. It's recognised as a disabled sailing centre, with full access to the water with hoist and fully accessible jetty. Head to the beautiful Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons and you'll find Llangorse Sailing Club. You can try your hand here at dinghy sailing here, with instructors on hand to improve your skills. General boat hire is also available at Llangorse – just head towards the boat hire hut on the jetty to find rowing boats, pelican boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts and paddleboards. Kevin Hughes from Llanwrtyd Wells had always fancied paddleboarding and kayaking and joined open taster sessions at the Paddle Club run by The Boathouse at Llandrindod Wells with his children, Isla and Charlie. 'They gave me the opportunity to have a go and I have paddled regularly ever since,' he said. 'I get to spend time with my children doing something we all enjoy. It's great for my wellbeing, particularly after a difficult day's work. It can be very calming and brings you close to nature.' Standup paddleboarding courses are also available at Long Mountain Paddleboarding where you can enjoy being active on a stretch of the River Severn. Tawe Kayak Club in Ystradgynlais is always welcoming new members, whatever their ability, and you can try white water kayaking, canoe polo, surf kayaking and sea kayaking. Welshpool Canoe Club offers outdoor and pool sessions of kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. And if you're female, this club is part of She Paddles Cymru which is encouraging more women and girls to give paddlesports a go.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Colin Jackson's hidden problem, 'horrendous body' issue and new life now at 58
Colin Jackson's hidden problem, 'horrendous body' issue and new life now at 58 Colin Jackson had an illustrious sporting career, but behind the scenes he was struggling with bulimia and body dysmorphia, as well as panic attacks in his last years of competition After retiring, Colin Jackson has gone on to mentor other athletes and become a sports commentator and presenter (Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved ) Olympian Colin Jackson has candidly shared his personal battles with mental health, body dysmorphia and bulimia. Jackson, a Cardiff resident aged 58, boasts an impressive track record in the athletics world, clinching medals on Olympic, World, Commonwealth and European stages, while setting world records, including one that remained unbeaten for over a decade. Yet behind the triumphs, he disclosed his rigorous food restriction during competition and his struggles with bulimia—a condition that involves binge-eating followed by purging to prevent weight gain. Additionally, as Colin neared his retirement at age 36 in 2003, he faced severe panic attacks, which he described as having sensations comparable to "a heart attack" and leading him to "burst into sweat". Through time, support, and mastering coping "tools" such as breathing exercises, Colin has navigated past many of these hurdles and now seeks to "give back" by promoting greater dialogues about mental health, particularly among men. In collaboration with SPAR for its latest summer initiative, SPARk A Conversation, Colin is on the cusp of launching his personal app named Track, Field and Life this month. Article continues below The app, which will share sports results, insightful advice, and narratives from fellow athletes, aims to establish a "safe place" for open communication and mutual "celebration", according to Colin. "For me, as an athlete, I was fortunate that people gave me time and they helped get the best from me, so now it's my time to do exactly the same thing," Colin shared with PA Real Life. "If it culminates in something that's good, and it makes men talk, it makes people across the board look after themselves in a healthy manner, and I was part of that journey, I can have a sense of pride. "I can happily go to my grave, knowing that, do you know what? You were successful there, and you did make a difference." Jackson in action back in 2003 (Image: Rui Vieira/PA ) Colin "always loved" sport growing up but never envisioned himself pursuing a career as a professional athlete. He excelled at many sports at school, before later focusing on athletics – and he said he enjoyed the "play element" of sport most of all. "It was something I did as a kid and I had fun doing it, so that's where my real sporting background began," he explained. Colin said he knew he had an "innate ability" and, by nurturing this, his skills improved rapidly. Along with the challenge of sport itself, he enjoyed setting "personal goals" every year and was determined to achieve them. He won his first major medal, a silver, aged 19, in the 110m hurdles at the 1986 Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, and he won a silver medal at his first Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988, followed by European and Commonwealth gold medals in 1990. He later set a world record of 12.91 seconds in the 110-metre hurdles in 1993, which stood for 13 years. Discussing his sporting career highs, Colin revealed: "I've never really had one. "It sounds bizarre – you make history in your sport, fantastic, no doubt about it, that's brilliant – but every single year of my athletic career, we were always goal orientated. "You had to achieve something in that year and, as long as you achieved what you set out to achieve, then that box was ticked." Colin is hoping to encourage more open conversations (@Wearedusk/PA Real Life) Colin remarked on how people are continually seeking the next triumph, the forthcoming landmark, without "appreciating what (they're) achieving at this moment in time". During his competitive days, he admitted to often comparing himself to fellow athletes and contended with body dysmorphia, thinking he appeared "horrendous". He shared that competitors were commonly underweight and he was "blinded by the norm", leading him to eat less and ultimately developing bulimia. On reflecting upon older photographs, he can now see he was in "really good shape" and aims to encourage more discussions about these issues to assist others. "When that's your norm around you, then you get blinded by the norm," he commented. "It's just like having a beautiful view every single day of your life, you don't see the beauty. "It's exactly the same in professional sport, in that sense, you're sheltered. "I describe it as living in fantasy land... you have no real understanding." As Colin neared his retirement in 2003 at the age of 36, he admitted feeling "anxious", facing panic attacks and initially wondered: "What am I going to do with my time?". But he soon recognised how "blessed" and "action-packed" those years had been, coming to the conclusion that he had to "stop worrying about what's around the corner". "Don't be so anxious," he advised. "Life, whatever path is laid out for you, you will go down." Colin Jackson of Wales celebrates a silver after the Men's 110 metres Hurdles Final at the City of Manchester Stadium during the 2002 Commonwealth Games (Image: Getty Images Sport ) He continued, offering wisdom to others in his position, saying: "If I was going to give advice to anybody who's going to retire from their sport now, I'd say, don't be forced out of your sport. "You will know when you're ready and take the step... and don't think you're going through it on your own." With a wealth of support having contributed to his success, Colin felt compelled to "give that back" after hanging up his boots. His post-retirement journey has led him to roles as a mentor to upcoming athletes, sports commentator and presenter, and more recently, partnering with SPAR for its summertime initiative, SPARk A Conversation. Interesting findings from a study by AF Blakemore, the UK's leading SPAR distributor, disclosed that a staggering 84% of British men favour firing up the barbecue over discussing their genuine feelings. SPAR is collaborating with four local mental health charities – Ways for Wellbeing, Mental Health Matters Wales, Tough Enough to Care and YESS – and has developed a tip sheet, offering advice on how to create "small, meaningful moments", such as starting conversations lightly to encourage people to open up, and emphasising the significance of listening. Jackson, passionate about discussing topics like sport and mental health, has developed his own app named Track, Field and Life, set to launch this month. He explained that the app will include advice, quick updates on sports events, and stories from fellow athletes, aiming to foster "celebration" rather than criticism. Jackson recognises the tragic loss of too many men at a young age due to poor mental health and expressed his commitment to changing this narrative. "We try to get everybody who's involved in athletics to actually find a safe place for them," Colin remarked. Article continues below "I want people to be part of an amazing family and truly connect. I have created something that connects everybody in our family of sport." For further details about the campaign, please visit: If you're seeking advice and support on eating disorders, Beat's website can be accessed here:
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I silently battled bulimia and anxiety at height of my career – but arrogance cost me Olympic gold, says Colin Jackson
At one point, Colin consumed less than 1,000 calories a day while training as an elite sportsman SECRET STRUGGLE I silently battled bulimia and anxiety at height of my career – but arrogance cost me Olympic gold, says Colin Jackson Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE is a double world champion athlete whose records couldn't be broken for years. But off the athletics track, Welsh hurdler Colin Jackson, 58, faced a far greater battle than he ever did in a race. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Colin Jackson has spoken out about his struggles with bulimia and anxiety during his athletics career Credit: Getty 4 Colin won Olympic silver at Seoul in 1988 Credit: Getty On the outside, Colin's famously big smile exuded happiness and contentment, yet inside he was in turmoil, regularly crying and starving himself as he silently suffered with bulimia. "I wasn't in a good place because I spent all my days comparing myself with other people," Colin says in an exclusive interview with The Sun. "Thinking I don't look like them and the only way I can get like that is by literally starving my body by trying to be extra lean." At his lowest point Colin was consuming less than 1,000 calories a day while training at full pelt, and admits he has no idea how he as able to maintain such high standards on the track. Among his achievements as an elite sportsman are 13 championship golds, nine silvers and a bronze. He went unbeaten in 44 races between 1993 and 1995, and two of his records seemed insurmountable for a time. The 12.91s he clocked at the 1993 World Championships wasn't bettered for 13 years, while his 60m indoor record of 7.30 seconds, set in 1994, stood for 27 years. Colin continues: "So I had all this going on in my brain whilst I was trying to compete. So as I was trying to take on the best athletes in the world, I was battling with myself as well. And it's such a hidden thing in a way. "I wish I could have been more vocal at that time. It would have helped me immensely and it would have no doubt improved my performance. "I know people will go to me, 'well, you were a world record holder. What else did you want? You're the best of the best'. Colin Jackson comes out as gay on Swedish TV interview as former hurdles world record holder reveals he didn't want it 'sensationalised' "Yeah, I was best of the best what you saw, but I wasn't the best version of me for myself. And that is what we're kind of striving to do, you know, and striving to be." Though the eating disorder no doubt had a detrimental effect on his athletic abilities, Colin insists it isn't the reason an Olympic gold medal eluded him. He finished his career with one Olympic silver from the 1988 Seoul Games in which he lost to American athlete Roger Kingdom. Colin was a heavy favourite in Barcelona four years later, but lack of preparation for the second round race saw him suffer a muscle injury, which hampered his performance in the final in which he finished seventh. He says: "I blame myself for not getting Olympic gold. So I did blame nobody else, because my training partner did exactly the same training as me, and he did win the gold in the event I should have won the gold in. So I knew that all the preparation stuff was bang on. "It was just me being an arrogant idiot, which cost me my title. So I could happily live that, because I could put that in a compartment, if you know what I mean. "I think the battles were, because of all the other issues, I didn't enjoy it. It's a shame when I look back and I think, you know, my God, I was the best in the world, and I never enjoyed the environment, because I was always battling with myself. You know, I cried a lot when I was an athlete. I cried an awful lot. "When I was on my own, under the pressure of it all, I cried a lot. And then I'd wipe away the tears, and I'd come back out, and there'd be a big smile, and it'd be like, well, it's just me taking on the world again." Simple ways to check in with those who matter this summer START WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND YOU Use the moment you're in to open the door gently. BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR OWN FEELINGS Sometimes sharing a little of your own story helps others feel safe to share theirs. ASK QUESTIONS THAT INVITE A REAL ANSWER Open-ended questions give people space to reflect and respond honestly. KEEP IT LIGHT – OR GO DEEPER IF IT FEELS RIGHT Trust your instinct. Some people just need a friendly check-in – others may need space to open up. MOST IMPORTANTLY – JUST LISTEN You don't need to have the answers. Just being there and listening can mean the world. REACH OUT – EVEN WITH A SIMPLE TEXT If someone's been quiet lately, a quick message could be the spark that starts a conversation. REMEMBER TO FOLLOW UP If someone opens up to you, check back in a few days – it shows you care and that the conversation wasn't just a one-off. KNOW WHEN TO ESCALATE If someone is really struggling – or you're worried about their safety – encourage them to speak to a professional, or contact one on their behalf. Courtesy of #SPARkupaconversation campaign 4 Colin had a glittering career winning 13 championship golds Credit: Getty 4 He reached the Strictly final with Erin Boag Credit: Rex In 1997, at the age of 30, Colin won silver at both the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships. But behind the scenes he felt lonely and contemplated his own mortality, despite being surrounded by loved ones. "I remember I had a birthday party," he says. "Well, it was my 30th birthday. We're at a restaurant and everybody's there celebrating. "They were having a great time. And I was ripping inside, absolutely ripping, thinking, well, what am I going to do? This decade, the decade I'm going to retire, and I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life. And everybody's celebrating me being 30, and to me, it's one year closer to death. "And that's the way my mind was taking me. And so, again, it's like, it's really, it's tough, you know, when you're an individual like that, and you can't, and you don't feel like you can speak. The room was packed with all my friends, and I felt I couldn't speak to any of them about how genuine I feel, because they were having a great time." Retirement didn't prove the end for Colin, far from it. Reality TV called and he reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 as well as finishing third on Dancing On Ice in 2021. He remains heavily involved in athletics and is an ever-present on the BBC's coverage of the sport. Now, he's using his platform and experience of mental health struggles to encourage men to open up. Colin has partnered with SPAR to launch the national #SPARkupaconversation campaign, encouraging people to bust out a BBQ and have a good natter. New research found 44% of men have had fewer than two meaningful personal conversations with a male friend in the past year. It's something Colin would like to see change, particularly with figures showing 75% of the 6,000 suicides in the UK in 2023 were men. And with nearly half of British men saying they'd be more compelled to open up while cooking, having a barbecue is the perfect opportunity to do so. Colin says: "It's so easy to talk to somebody like you when you're already bought into the process. You understand the dynamics, the importance of it. "We're men ourselves. We understand the importance of it, but also the scenarios and situations where you don't have the genuine opportunity to chat. "And so to create a natural environment to chat around a barbecue, it just seems to be the right place because you can have those real special one-on-one times. It doesn't have to be a big moment – it just has to be real.' "And it's really important to be able to have that with a friend that you know who's gonna listen to you. That is paramount." SPARk the BBQ. SPARk a conversation. #LoveSummerMoments #SPARkTheBBQ #SPARkAConversation #LoveSummer
The Sun
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
I silently battled bulimia and anxiety at height of my career – but arrogance cost me Olympic gold, says Colin Jackson
HE is a double world champion athlete whose records couldn't be broken for years. But off the athletics track, Welsh hurdler Colin Jackson, 58, faced a far greater battle than he ever did in a race. 4 4 On the outside, Colin's famously big smile exuded happiness and contentment, yet inside he was in turmoil, regularly crying and starving himself as he silently suffered with bulimia. "I wasn't in a good place because I spent all my days comparing myself with other people," Colin says in an exclusive interview with The Sun. "Thinking I don't look like them and the only way I can get like that is by literally starving my body by trying to be extra lean." At his lowest point Colin was consuming less than 1,000 calories a day while training at full pelt, and admits he has no idea how he as able to maintain such high standards on the track. Among his achievements as an elite sportsman are 13 championship golds, nine silvers and a bronze. He went unbeaten in 44 races between 1993 and 1995, and two of his records seemed insurmountable for a time. The 12.91s he clocked at the 1993 World Championships wasn't bettered for 13 years, while his 60m indoor record of 7.30 seconds, set in 1994, stood for 27 years. Colin continues: "So I had all this going on in my brain whilst I was trying to compete. So as I was trying to take on the best athletes in the world, I was battling with myself as well. And it's such a hidden thing in a way. "I wish I could have been more vocal at that time. It would have helped me immensely and it would have no doubt improved my performance. "I know people will go to me, 'well, you were a world record holder. What else did you want? You're the best of the best'. "Yeah, I was best of the best what you saw, but I wasn't the best version of me for myself. And that is what we're kind of striving to do, you know, and striving to be." Though the eating disorder no doubt had a detrimental effect on his athletic abilities, Colin insists it isn't the reason an Olympic gold medal eluded him. He finished his career with one Olympic silver from the 1988 Seoul Games in which he lost to American athlete Roger Kingdom. Colin was a heavy favourite in Barcelona four years later, but lack of preparation for the second round race saw him suffer a muscle injury, which hampered his performance in the final in which he finished seventh. He says: "I blame myself for not getting Olympic gold. So I did blame nobody else, because my training partner did exactly the same training as me, and he did win the gold in the event I should have won the gold in. So I knew that all the preparation stuff was bang on. "It was just me being an arrogant idiot, which cost me my title. So I could happily live that, because I could put that in a compartment, if you know what I mean. "I think the battles were, because of all the other issues, I didn't enjoy it. It's a shame when I look back and I think, you know, my God, I was the best in the world, and I never enjoyed the environment, because I was always battling with myself. You know, I cried a lot when I was an athlete. I cried an awful lot. "When I was on my own, under the pressure of it all, I cried a lot. And then I'd wipe away the tears, and I'd come back out, and there'd be a big smile, and it'd be like, well, it's just me taking on the world again." Simple ways to check in with those who matter this summer START WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND YOU Use the moment you're in to open the door gently. BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR OWN FEELINGS Sometimes sharing a little of your own story helps others feel safe to share theirs. ASK QUESTIONS THAT INVITE A REAL ANSWER Open-ended questions give people space to reflect and respond honestly. KEEP IT LIGHT – OR GO DEEPER IF IT FEELS RIGHT Trust your instinct. Some people just need a friendly check-in – others may need space to open up. MOST IMPORTANTLY – JUST LISTEN You don't need to have the answers. Just being there and listening can mean the world. REACH OUT – EVEN WITH A SIMPLE TEXT If someone's been quiet lately, a quick message could be the spark that starts a conversation. REMEMBER TO FOLLOW UP If someone opens up to you, check back in a few days – it shows you care and that the conversation wasn't just a one-off. KNOW WHEN TO ESCALATE If someone is really struggling – or you're worried about their safety – encourage them to speak to a professional, or contact one on their behalf. Courtesy of #SPARkupaconversation campaign 4 4 In 1997, at the age of 30, Colin won silver at both the World Indoor and Outdoor Championships. But behind the scenes he felt lonely and contemplated his own mortality, despite being surrounded by loved ones. "I remember I had a birthday party," he says. "Well, it was my 30th birthday. We're at a restaurant and everybody's there celebrating. "They were having a great time. And I was ripping inside, absolutely ripping, thinking, well, what am I going to do? This decade, the decade I'm going to retire, and I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life. And everybody's celebrating me being 30, and to me, it's one year closer to death. "And that's the way my mind was taking me. And so, again, it's like, it's really, it's tough, you know, when you're an individual like that, and you can't, and you don't feel like you can speak. The room was packed with all my friends, and I felt I couldn't speak to any of them about how genuine I feel, because they were having a great time." Retirement didn't prove the end for Colin, far from it. Reality TV called and he reached the final of Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 as well as finishing third on Dancing On Ice in 2021. He remains heavily involved in athletics and is an ever-present on the BBC's coverage of the sport. Now, he's using his platform and experience of mental health struggles to encourage men to open up. Colin has partnered with SPAR to launch the national #SPARkupaconversation campaign, encouraging people to bust out a BBQ and have a good natter. New research found 44% of men have had fewer than two meaningful personal conversations with a male friend in the past year. It's something Colin would like to see change, particularly with figures showing 75% of the 6,000 suicides in the UK in 2023 were men. And with nearly half of British men saying they'd be more compelled to open up while cooking, having a barbecue is the perfect opportunity to do so. Colin says: "It's so easy to talk to somebody like you when you're already bought into the process. You understand the dynamics, the importance of it. "We're men ourselves. We understand the importance of it, but also the scenarios and situations where you don't have the genuine opportunity to chat. "And so to create a natural environment to chat around a barbecue, it just seems to be the right place because you can have those real special one-on-one times. It doesn't have to be a big moment – it just has to be real.' SPARk the BBQ. SPARk a conversation. Help for mental health If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, 116 123 CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) 0800 585 858 Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) 0800 068 41 41 Shout (for support of all mental health) text 85258 to start a conversation Mind, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary). YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too. Rethink Mental Illness, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate). Heads Together, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Colin Jackson has no regrets over waiting to come out as he shares hidden battle
Athletics hero Colin Jackson was plagued by rumours about his private life throughout his athletics career - but it was the least of the Olympic champion's worries For years, Colin Jackson pushed back against suggestions he was gay - shutting down speculation about his sexuality in his autobiography - before casually coming out to the world at the age of 50 in 2017. The Strictly Come Dancing star was far from living in the closet before talking publicly about his sexuality, with the former world record holder loved and supported privately by his family and friends in the wake of a kiss and tell in 2007. Olympic champion Colin has no regrets about the timing of sharing his personal life publicly as he was actually fighting other heartbreaking battles behind closed doors. The intrusive speculation about his romantic relationships was actually the least of the former sprint and hurdling athlete's worries as he juggled mental health struggles alongside achieving sporting greatness. But does Colin think his story may have been different had he been competing in this day and age? Colin ended his athletics career at the 2003 World Indoor Championships - 10 years before the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 was introduced. Attitudes have changed since people speculated about Colin's sexuality at the height of his career. So does he wonder if he might have come out publicly sooner had he been competing in 2025? 'I think it would be quite similar for me personally, because I think it's always everybody's individual stories and how they want to perceive themselves and tell themselves,' Colin muses. During his career representing Great Britain, he won an Olympic silver medal, became world champion twice, world indoor champion once, was undefeated at the European Championships for 12 years and was twice Commonwealth champion. But away from the track, Colin was battling multiple unseen battles. Struggling with anxiety, bulimia, anorexia and body dysmorphia with the whole world's eyes on him, the Olympic hero didn't want to draw even more attention to himself by discussing his personal life publicly. 'I don't think [coming out] would have changed that much for me because I was solely focused on my athletics, on my sport, and nothing really deviated from that,' he recalls. 'I mean, I had enough issues going on as it was with the anxieties and then to add another layer on it, would have absolutely blown my brain, to be honest.' Colin's anxieties intensified when he retired from athletics at the age of 36. Having 'only done two things in my life, go to school and run', he recalls worrying about how he was going to fill the years ahead. 'The anxiety just poured on me, thinking 'well, what am I going to do with the rest of my life', because I have nothing to fill the void that was so filled previously, and I had huge anxieties about that,' Colin shares when looking back. When his anxieties started to present physical symptoms: 'It was like I was having a heart attack, you know, the deep breathing, the sweating' – Colin went to see his GP, who diagnosed the champion with anxiety. 'So you're not having a heart attack, you're literally just suffering from anxiety, so be aware of it,' Colin recalls his doctor telling him. ' And then he started to teach me some coping mechanisms in how to calm my nerves, calm my environment, and start to recognise what were the triggers for the anxieties for me personally, and it could be literally anything and come from nowhere.' Although Colin has a better grip on his triggers these days, he is still conscious about the danger of bottling things up - particularly for men. In 2023, over 6,000 lives were lost to suicide in the UK - 75% of them men. New statistics claim that 44% of men have had fewer than two meaningful personal conversations with a male friend in the past year. With this in mind, Colin has partnered with SPAR to launch a national campaign encouraging men to open up and speak about their feelings – even via something as simple as a summer BBQ. 'It never stops and you know and what I say to people is that we all have brains and they function in all different ways and the chemicals that are in our brains are all different in that sense,' Colin explains when discussing his own journey with mental health struggles. 'So different environments will trigger certain emotions and feelings, and they could be all sorts. I was coming from a sport which was all about body image, and I was struggling with how I looked. 'I suffered from bulimia, anorexia, and body dysmorphia. I had all these things which are all still mental health issues that I was trying to cope with as well as race and compete against the best in the world. 'It was a huge amount of pressure on some young shoulders and now when I look back at that younger me, I just go, how did you cope? And in the end, I coped by speaking. 'That was it in the end, you know, I had to find the people that were going to listen to me and were willing to listen to me. So you can understand now how this campaign is so, so close to me, because we can reach so many people with this particular story with SPAR.'
