Linford Cicero Christie is a British former sprinter who is widely regarded as the most decorated male British athlete in history. Despite entering the track scene relatively late for a sprinter, Christie carved out a remarkable career for himself. He holds an impressive record of 24 major championship medals, including gold medals in the 100m dash at all four major events for British athletes: the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and World Championships. This extraordinary achievement makes him the only British male athlete to accomplish such a feat. Christie’s accolades span various events, including the 60m, 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. Notably, he was the first European sprinter to achieve a sub-10 second timing in the 100m, and he still holds the British record with his remarkable 9.87 second run at the 1993 World Championships. Christie’s achievements also include holding European records for the 60m, 100m, and 4x100m relay, as well as the world indoor record for the 200m. While his records have since been surpassed by other athletes, Christie remains one of the greatest sprinters of all time, ranking as the third fastest sprinter in history. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to athletics, Christie was awarded the MBE in 1990 and the OBE in 1998. He was also honored with inductions into the ‘London Youth Games Hall of Fame’ in 2009 and the ‘England Athletics Hall of Fame’ in 2010.
Quick Facts
- Name: Linford Cicero Christie
- Age: 63 years
- Gender: Male
- Family:
- Father: James Christie
- Mother: Mabel Christie
- Born Country: Jamaica
- Occupation: Athlete
- Nationality: British
- Height: 6’2″ (188 cm)
Childhood & Early Life
Linford Christie was born on April 2, 1960, in Saint Andrew, Jamaica, to Mabel Christie and James Christie. He was one of their seven children. He was initially raised by his grandmother but joined his parents in Acton, London at the age of seven. He attended Henry Compton Secondary School in Fulham, London, where he excelled in physical education. At the age of 19, he began training in athletics under coach Ron Roddan, whom he first met in school. Roddan trained him at the West London Stadium, and their association continued throughout Christie’s track career.
Career
Christie’s breakthrough came in 1986 when he won his first gold medal in the 100m event at the European Athletics Championships. He also earned a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay event. In the same year, he secured the 200m title at the European Indoor Championships and finished second in both the 100m and 4x100m events at the Commonwealth Games. In 1987, he received the bronze medal in the 100m event at the World Championships after the winner, Ben Johnson, was disqualified for using steroids.
In 1988, Christie won a gold medal in the 60m dash at the European Indoor Championships and two silver medals in the 100m and 4x100m relay events at the Olympic Games in Seoul. He set a new European record in the 100m event with a time of 9.97 seconds. In 1990, he achieved great success by winning two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games, a gold medal in the 60m event at the European Indoor Championships, and a gold medal in the 100m event at the European Championships.
In 1991, Christie won two silver medals at the World Indoor Championships and a bronze medal in the 4x100m relay event at the World Championships. He finally captured an Olympic gold medal in the 100m event at the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, becoming the oldest athlete at the age of 32 to achieve this feat. In 1993, he won the 100m title at the World Championships and became the first male sprinter to hold the 100m title in all four major competitions.
Christie continued his success in 1994 by winning two 100m titles at the European Athletics Championships and the Commonwealth Games. In 1995, he set a European record in the 60m event and a 200m indoor record. He also holds three current masters athletics world records in the 100m, 200m, and 60m events for the 35-39 age group.
After facing disqualification in the 1996 Olympic final, Christie retired from representative international competition in 1997. He then turned to coaching and has helped athletes such as Darren Campbell and Katharine Merry. He has also ventured into other fields, including hosting television shows and appearing in acting roles.
Personal Life & Legacy
Christie has six children and is rumored to have two more secret children. In 2009, his niece Rachel Christie became Miss England but relinquished the crown due to an allegation of assault. The West London Stadium was renamed the Linford Christie Stadium in his honor in 1993.