BROADCASTING GIANT JOHN GWYNNE PASSES AWAY
I was very sad to read of the death of commentator and friend John Gwynne on Saturday 9th July 2022.
We had met on a number of occasions over the years and I found him always cheerful, knowledgeable, not only with regard to darts but also the many other sports that he was interested in, and life in general.
With thanks to the PDC I reproduce their tribute to John (the main photo being credited to “Lawrence Lustig/PDC”.
The Professional Darts Corporation is saddened to learn that Hall of Fame member John Gwynne passed away on Saturday morning following his battle with cancer.
A highly-respected sports broadcaster, Gwynne was part of the Sky Sports commentary team at the WDC’s first World Championship in 1992-93, having previously reported on the sport for radio and “Darts Phone Line Commentary” after moving from his original career as a schoolteacher.
He would be part of the Sky Sports team for the next two decades, fittingly retiring in 2013 after covering 20 World Championships and 20 World Matchplays.
Gwynne also wrote for Darts World magazine and worked with the Darts Regulation Authority, as well as championing the Log-End format of the sport – popular in his native Manchester – and working as an exhibition MC and referee.
His work with Sky Sports had seen him report on football for the “Soccer Saturday” programme, and he subsequently wrote his “Soccer Satisfied” book which was published in 2020 and details his experiences in the sport.
He also broadcasted on cricket, rugby league and speedway, and was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2014.
“John was a respected and popular figure in darts and across sports media and this is a sad time for all who knew him,” said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.
“As part of the original Sky Sports commentary team alongside Sid Waddell and Dave Lanning, John’s distinctive voice was part of the soundtrack to the PDC’s formative years and they formed an iconic trio.
“John was hugely passionate about the sport of darts and made a great contribution at all levels during his career.
“We send our condolences and sympathies to John’s family and friends.”
So, I am sure, are many darts fans. RIP John.
Text (c) 2022 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)
Additional text (c) Patrick Chaplin
Main image in article: Lawrence Lustig/PDC (Used with permission)
Featured image: John at Piccadilly Radio back in the day (DW/PC Archive)
Posted 13th October 2022
Dr Patrick Chaplin 