David Coleman: Former BBC sports broadcaster dies at 87

He first appeared on air for the BBC in 1954, covering 11 Olympic Games from Rome in 1960 to Sydney 2000 and six football World Cups.

Coleman presented some of the BBC's leading sporting programmes, including Grandstand and Sportsnight, and was the host of Question of Sport for 18 years.

He was awarded an OBE in 1992 and retired from the BBC in 2000.

Later that year he became the first broadcaster to receive an Olympic Order medal, in recognition of his contribution to the Olympic movement.

A statement from his 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."

The BBC's director general Tony Hall led the corporation's tributes.

"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."

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.

"His was one of broadcasting's most authoritative and identifiable voices that graced so many pinnacle sporting moments. From his famous football and athletic commentaries to his presentation of events and programmes such as the Olympics, the World Cup, Question of Sport and Grandstand, he was quite simply the master of his craft.

"David had many friends at BBC Sport and was admired by audiences in their millions. We send sincere condolences to his family."

A former keen amateur runner, Coleman began work as a reporter on the Stockport Express and wrote for an army newspaper during his national service.

When injuries ruled him out of trials for the 1952 British Olympic team he wrote to a BBC editor to suggest that he covered athletics in the Saturday evening sports programme.

He began presenting Grandstand in 1958 and worked on the magazine programme for 10 years before being replaced by Frank Bough.

Coleman fronted the midweek Sportsnight show and began to co-host the BBC Sports Review of the Year in 1961, a role he only ended in 1983.

In 1971 he became the BBC's senior football commentator, covering five FA Cup finals before handing over to John Motson in 1979.