Former BBC Sports broadcaster David Coleman dies aged 87.

The former BBC sports broadcaster David Coleman has died aged 87 after a short illness, his family has confirmed today.

A statement from Coleman’s family said:

We regret to announce the death of David Coleman OBE, after a short illness. He died peacefully with his family at his bedside.

He was heard on the BBC first in 1954, and covered Olympic games from 1960 in Rome all the way through to Sydney 2000. Coleman was also famous for presenting the BBC sporting strands of Grandstand, Match of the Day and Sportsnight. He also hosted sports quiz A Question of Sport for eighteen years.

David Coleman was one of this country’s greatest and most respected broadcasters,” he said. “Generations grew up listening to his distinctive and knowledgeable commentary. Whether presenting, commentating or offering analysis, he set the standard for all today’s sports broadcasters… Our thoughts are with his family and many friends. – The BBC’s director general Tony Hall

Director of sport Barbara Slater added:

David Coleman was a giant in the sports broadcasting world, an iconic and hugely respected figure. In a BBC career that spanned over 40 years he set the standard that so many others have tried to emulate.

Coleman was awarded an OBE in 1992. Also that year he became the first broadcaster to receive an Olympic Order medal, in recognition of his contribution to the Olympic movement.