Nigel Walker

A schoolboy star on the track and the rugby field, Nigel Walker’s career was somewhat overshadowed by the emergence of his British teammate Colin Jackson. Though he reached the semi-finals of the Los Angeles Olympics the peak of his career came in 1986 and 1987. In 1986 he placed fourth in the 110m hurdles at both the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games whilst in 1987 he earned his only major international medals, bronze in both the European and World Indoor Championships over the 60 m hurdles. His only appearance in the World Championships outdoors also came in 1987 when he reached the semi-finals of the sprint hurdles.

Walker retired from athletics after failing to qualifying for the Barcelona Olympics and signed to play rugby for the Cardiff club. Walker was an instant success as a winger and within nine months made his international debut for Wales. He played seventeen times for his country between 1993 and 1998 scoring twelve tries.

After his retirement from rugby he turned to broadcasting, first in front of the camera and then as head of BBC Sport in Wales. He also became a board member of UK Sport.

Personal Best: 110H – 13.51 (1990).