Olympian reveals his surprising track record

Jan 16 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

FORMER British triple jumper Jonathan Edwards yesterday revealed an unexpected passion for a very different sport – darts.

The Olympic champion, who has held the triple jump world record since 1995, returned yesterday to Durham University, where he graduated in physics 22 years ago, to receive an honorary degree.

But during his varsity days at Van Mildert college he enjoyed the social life in the college bar.

“I have never been a big drinker,” he was quick to add. “But I did learn how to play darts, although not very well.

“I would usually end up needing double one to finish off, and then lose!”

After graduating with a “solid” 2-1, Edwards went on to win accolades including BBC Sports Personality of the Year, gold medals from the 2000 Olympic Games, the 2001 World Championships and the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Last year Durham University threw down the gauntlet to potential undergraduates to follow in the footsteps of international sports stars. England rugby captains Will Carling and Will Greenwood, cricket captains Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss also studied there.

The university announced 25 new spots for excellence. The competitive scholarships, worth £3,000 a year, will reward students who can shine in sport, music or the performing arts.

Edwards, of Heaton, Newcastle, said: “I had three wonderful years at Durham and it would be marvellous to see some of the current crop of undergraduates represent England in the 2012 Olympics.”