John Anderson, the iconic referee from the TV series Gladiators, has passed away at the age of 92. Known for his famous catchphrase “Contender, ready! Gladiator, ready!”, Anderson was a beloved figure on the show during its original run from 1992 to 2000 and its brief revival in 2008.
Aside from his role on Gladiators, Anderson was a highly respected Scottish sports coach who coached over 100 Olympic athletes, including former 5,000m world-record holder David Moorcroft. Moorcroft spoke highly of Anderson, stating that he would never have been a decent athlete without his guidance.
The show released a statement expressing their deep sadness at Anderson’s passing, calling him their “beloved referee” and remembering him as the iconic voice of the show. Former professional football referee Mark Clattenburg, who took over as referee for the current BBC version of Gladiators, praised Anderson’s iconic voice and the impact he had on the show.
Anderson also served as the head coach for the Amateur Athletics Association of England and Scottish national coach, training numerous Olympians including Sheila Carey, Liz McColgan, and Judy Simpson, who appeared on Gladiators as Nightshade in the 1990s. He was inducted into the Coaching Hall of Fame in 2002.
Olympic sprinter Jennifer Stoute, known as Rebel on Gladiators, paid tribute to Anderson on social media, recalling him as the best and sharing fond memories of his ability to make them laugh and push them to their limits.
Anderson’s legacy as a coach and referee on Gladiators will forever be remembered, and he will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.
