David Coleman mundane happenings at athletic events. Clive James wrote that the difference between commentating and 'colemantating' is that a commentator says something you may wish to remember; a colemantator says something you try to forget. However, Coleman's ability to generate excitement through his commentary was widely praised. In 1972, he broadcast for several hours during the siege at the Munich Olympics as well as the memorial service days later. Coleman concentrated on athletics commentary from 1984. Coleman also hosted sports quiz show "A Question Of Sport" for 18 years from 1979 to 1997, striking up a strong rapport with captains such
David Coleman word conceived by Coleman himself – in his honour. Coleman retired from broadcasting after the 2000 Summer Olympics. In December 2000, he was presented with the Olympic Order by then-IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch in recognition of his services to the Olympic ideals. He retired, requesting no fanfare or recognition by the BBC, despite working for the corporation for over 40 years. The BBC later broadcast a programme entitled "The Quite Remarkable David Coleman" to celebrate Coleman's life, which was aired just after his 85th birthday in May 2011. Coleman and his wife Barbara had six children. He married Barbara