Paul Dickenson: 1949-2024
All at England Athletics are saddened to hear of the passing of two-time Olympian and long-time television commentator, Paul Dickenson.
An outstanding athlete of his era, Paul Dickenson competed in hammer at both the 1976 and 1980 Olympics, also representing England at the 1978 and 1982 Commonwealth Games. In more recent years, Paul has been a dedicated coach to some of Britain's brightest hammer talents of Jake Norris, Taylor Campbell, and Charlotte Payne amongst others - seeing all three athletes become national champions and represent GB & NI internationally.
Journey through the ranks
In 1975 Paul represented the British senior team for the first time, placing second in the European Cup semi-final with his first throw beyond 70 metres. The following year he held the UK record for three months with throws of 72.36 in Johannesburg and 73.20 in Kiev. In 1975, Paul stated he intended to compete “as long as my wife lets me! As a vet” and would stay in athletics after retirement as a coach.
Paul first attracted the attention of Athletics Weekly back in 1965 when he was featured in the ‘Spotlight on Youth’ column and described as “the most exciting youth hammer thrower Britain has ever had”. Although he started his athletics career at 800m and cross country, he was introduced to the hammer by his PE master at Tynemouth Grammar School, Carl Johnson. Carl continued to coach Dickenson throughout his career – early highlights including five consecutive English Schools titles between 1964 and 1968, and becoming AAA junior champion in 1967 and 1968. In 1967, he took part in Britain’s first full junior international match against France, team-mates including Tony Simmons, Ian Stewart, Geoff Capes and Mike Winch.
In 1975 Paul represented the British senior team for the first time, placing second in the European Cup semi-final with his first throw beyond 70 metres. The following year he held the UK record for three months with throws of 72.36 in Johannesburg and 73.20 in Kiev. In 1975, Paul stated he intended to compete “as long as my wife lets me! As a vet” and would stay in athletics after retirement as a coach.
Life after competing
Away from the throwing circle, Dickenson would regularly be the voice of many of the BBC's golden moments as a knowledgeable member of the commentary team for many years. His first job was a trackside interview with Carl Lewis at the 1987 World Championships and in 1990 he was promoted to the commentary box at the Commonwealth Games.
We were delighted to induct Paul into the 2019 England Athletics Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions and achievements in our sport. An award which he described as "absolutely wonderful", as he joined a list of recipients amongst those were some of his heroes and his career long coach, Carl Johnson. Paul had a great involvement in the Hall of Fame having been on the selection committee for the awards.
Speaking about the legacy of Paul Dickenson, England Athletics Event Group Lead for Throws, Nick Ridgeon, said:
"We are devastated to hear of the passing of Paul, as he has had such a huge influence on the athletics community throughout his throwing career and beyond. As a coach he has guided and mentored some of the best hammer athletes this country has seen and his knowledge, kindness and dedication will be missed by all."
England Athletics CEO, Chris Jones, added:
"Paul was a true in inspirational individual across both throws and the wider sport in the UK, both first as an athlete and then latterly as a commentator, coach, and general contributor to the ongoing development and preservation of our sport and its legacy."
Photographs by Mark Shearman