One of the most well know GB athletes, Darren Campbell was a world-class competitor in the 100m, the 200m and 4 x100m relay.
As a youngster, Darren’s sprinting was on the rise after winning the 200m at the English Schools Championships before going on to impress at the European Junior Championships in Thessaloniki in 1991, as well as medaling in the 100m 200m distances at the World Junior Championships. After being selected for the World Championships in 1993 as part of the relay squad, Darren was hit then by injuries and opted for a switch to his other love, football.
He had trials for Millwall featuring in the reserves, playing a match against the Arsenal reserves. He ended up playing seven games for Plymouth Argyle, scoring nine goals for the reserve team. He was on the verge of receiving a contract from then manager Neil Warnock, but by that point, he had already signed a semi-pro contract with Weymouth. After a year, Darren returned to athletics.
Darren retired from athletics in 2006. He will long be remembered as a sprinter who always gave his all, and for being a special talent and personality who won medals at all four majors in addition to the golden night at the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. However, Darren has not been lost to sport. His skills and insight into sprinting technique and handling pressure means he is in high demand as a pace and acceleration coach working with Premier League footballers and rugby professionals with great success. He is also a much-respected member of the Youth Sport Trust and other initiatives that motivate young kids to believe in themselves and get involved in athletics.
