No single image more powerfully redefined Welsh identity for the 1990’s than that of a triumphant Colin Jackson proudly draped in the Red Dragon flag. Forget the blather about ‘Cool Cymru’ -here was vivid proof that Welshness could be inclusive, multi-racial and, above all, supremely self-confident.

"I love being Welsh," he said in a 2002 interview, "It"s part of my identity. What"s it give me? My laid-backness. My quiet determination.” If his birthplace

has contributed to his success, then he has surely repaid the debt many times over.

Colin Jackson’s extravagant sporting talent emerged at Llanederyn High School in Cardiff. He went on to excel at a branch of athletics that requires fitness, strength, technique and concentration- all intensely focussed into a few seconds of explosive performance.

The reward was a long and glorious career that saw him notch up top international honours with almost mechanical consistency. He has won two World and Commonwealth titles, three European championships as well as World and European indoor crowns.

After emerging as a major force in hurdling in the late ‘eighties, he was disappointed to finish out of the medals at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

But it was the darkest hour that comes before the dawn. His time of 12.91 seconds set at Stuttgart the following year remains a world record. He is also fastest-ever over 60 metres indoors.

Amid the grim professionalism of so much modern sport, Colin Jackson is one champion who really looked like he was enjoying himself. He kept smiling right through the glory days and the times when injury or lack of form made success more elusive.

He was never going to be one of those athletes who retire from the stage the instant they pass their very peak. His natural competitiveness and buoyant optimism kept him challenging for major honours until finally calling it a day in 2002.

Now bringing his effervescent charm to a range of media, sporting and charitable projects, Colin Jackson seems most unlikely to fade away.