Dean finally won the elusive gold medal at World level at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Previously, he had claimed silver at the 1999 World Championships and a bronze at the 2001 World Championships. Sadly, an injury ended his dream to complete in his 3rd Olympic Games, retiring just before the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Since retiring, Dean has had time to focus on his main passion outside of athletics, Angling, and has been very active in this field, starring as a guest presenter on Sky Sports’ Tight Lines. Dean now spends much of his time writing and presenting Angling shows.
Dean also fronts the coverage of mass participation events, such as the Rat Race series, Survival of the Fittest, and the Brighton Marathon. As well as having been a member of the Channel 4 athletics commentary team.
In 2012, he was also the England team mentor on the CBBC’s Ultimate Sports Day. Dean expanded his commentating credentials, by co-hosting Bobsleigh events on Eurosport, and worked for Al Jazeera TV at Olympic, Commonwealth and Asian Games.
He has also appeared on Total Wipeout and Masterchef.
He is also still involved in athletics as a successful coach.
Presenting, Hosting, After Dinner Speaking
Hugely popular with audiences of not just athletics fans but after dinner audiences inspired by his resilient approach to sport and life.
His passion for fishing has led to him develop at TV presenting career around his love of the outdoors and travel.
He is currently presenter of ITV4’s The Big Fish Off and Fishing Allstars.
Here’s Dean chatting about the simple pleasures of a quick session of fishing to revitalise the mind!