The 5-Minute Interview: Colin Jackson, Sports commentator and broadcaster

'You need to have a killer instinct'

The former Olympic athlete and world record holder in the 60m indoor hurdles, Colin Jackson, 39, attended the Shaw Trust's annual STAR awards at London's Café Royal yesterday.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Signing autographs. This event has a great atmosphere. It's good to hear success stories. My uncle was physically and mentally handicapped and it's been a real nightmare to find employment for him. He's not stupid but he's got his problems. He now runs a small business in Panama making wood ornaments and toys.

A phrase that I use far too often is...

"Incredible" - it's a big statement that will always cover everything.

I wish people would take more notice of...

Their neighbours. It's the way we can probably resolve things. Just say "hello" and "how are you," without being nosy.

The most surprising thing that happened to me...

Was breaking world records. I set out to break the indoor record but the outdoor record was a complete shock. I realised, "oh dear now I've made history". I realised I had a responsibility. If you're the best, you have to be the best all the time.

A common misperception of me is...

That I'm always nice and could never be angry. You can never make the top of your form without having a killer instinct.

I'm good at...

Motivating people. I can really make people believe in what they can achieve personally.

I'm very bad at...

Being quiet on the wrong occasion. Sometimes I am shy when I shouldn't be.

Sara Newman