Gladiators refereeing legend John Anderson has died aged 92

Anderson was the show’s original judge and appeared right from its inception in 1992 until 2000.

His booming voice was heard in households across the country as viewers came to know and love him for his catchphrase, “Competitors Ready! Gladiators, ready.

As Athletics Weekly reported, Anderson died in the early hours of Sunday (July 28).

One of the first people to pay tribute was Dave Moorcroft, a former runner who was coached by Anderson.

Moorcroft was one of Anderson’s most famous students and biggest success stories.

Working with Anderson from the age of 16, Moorcroft broke the 5,000m world record in Oslo in 1982 with 13:00.41.

Praising Anderson, he said: “I can’t speak highly enough of John.

“He turned water into wine. At our club (Coventry Godiva) we’ve never had anyone break four minutes for mercy, but not only have we, but Tim Redman, Colin Ridding and Steve James have all broken four minutes.

“I don’t think any of them would describe themselves as world beaters, but John just brought out the best in people. I’m sure I would never have been a decent athlete if it hadn’t been for John. Not just because of the training he gave me, but he took a shy kid who didn’t believe in himself and just had that amazing ability to believe in me and others.

In addition to Moorcroft, he coached Olympic heptathlete Judy Simpson and Olympic middle distance finalist Sheila Carey.

He also helped Liz McColgan win Olympic 10,000 m silver in 1988.

At one point in his career he worked briefly with distance running legend Dave Bedford, as well as Scottish endurance runners John Graham and Lynne MacDougall.

Anderson was born and raised in Glasgow, later living in Nuneaton for a while before moving to Corby.

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