After 7 Gold medals, a world record, two Olympic silver medals and one bronze, Steve Backley finally hung up his javelin at the Olympic Games in Athens, showing he is still one of the world’s best by placing 4th in the final.
SPORT BIO
Steve has been one of Britain’s most consistent and popular athletes for over a decade now and is firmly established as one of the all time greats of his sport having been ranked in the world top ten for javelin every year between 1989 and 2002.
A constant fixture in the national athletics team, standing on podiums and setting world records, Steve is the only British track and field competitor to win medals at three different Olympic Games – Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney.
Backley first made his mark winning silver at the 1988 Junior World Championships and breaking the world junior record in the same year. He went on in his first two years as a senior athlete to be the world’s number one javelin thrower, the first time ever for a British athlete and in 1989 claimed the UK and Commonwealth records.
In the following year Steve gained gold medals at both the European and Commonwealth Championships and in 1990 Steve also became the first British male to set a World Record in a throws event when he threw 89.58m in Stockholm, Sweden. He broke this record himself later that year when he threw 90.98m at Crystal Palace.
Steve has continually fought back from injury setbacks in his career, including a ruptured Achilles and shoulder and abductor injuries however his determination has meant that he has been able to triumph over adversity.
His affable, laid back nature and ability to communicate with politicians and children alike has made him both a great ambassador for sport and an excellent role model in the coutry's battle to get sport back on the agenda.
With this in mind, retirement from Athletics has not meant a break with the sport that he loves and Steve has now taken on a key role with BBC Radio 5Live and their athletics commentary.
SPECIALIST AREAS
Following his retirement after the Athens Olympics in 2004 Steve is now concentrating heavily on his corporate speaking career. With a background in Sports Psychology Steve has a wealth of knowledge to impart and a long and successful career to back up his theories.
Steve outlines clear attributes that he believes are required to ensure success then displays how he put them into practice with humorous anecdotal tales of his own performances. Steve’s immediately likeable personality coupled with his direct and straightforward style make for a great combination and inspirational and informative presentation.
Steve is down to earth and an immediately warm and engaging character. His approach is to the point and easy to relate to and he has a clear and eloquent manner of explanation. An intelligent and direct presenter with a calm and friendly approach.
Steve defines three main attributes that he believes lead to success – self-belief, motivation and application. Winning is more than just natural talent and we all have the ability to tap into these natural sources to make the ultimate difference on the day. Steve focuses heavily on the mental preparation involved and offers insight into his ability to peak for major championships. He links his theories with his own sporting achievements adding humorous anecdotal tales, behind the scenes snippets and the low down on his rivalry with fellow Czech competitor, Jan Zelezney. Steve’s theory based presentation offers clear adaptable advice for everyday life.
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