Renowned athletics figure and esteemed track and field statistician, Peter Matthews, has passed away at the age of 78, leaving a void in the world of athletics.
On the early morning of September 9, Peter Matthews peacefully passed away in his sleep after battling recent heart issues. Matthews had an enduring passion for the sport, dedicating himself to various aspects of athletics. He played a pivotal role as the editor of the annual ATFS International Athletics Annuals and the Annual Athletics International Newsletter. He collaborated with fellow Brit Mel Watman until Watman’s passing two years ago. Following Watman’s demise, Matthews continued to edit the publications, even being halfway through the next edition at the time of his passing, with notes and results on his desk.
Matthews was also renowned for his compilation and editing of numerous statistical books, including key reference works. Among his notable publications was the Annual NUTS, a comprehensive compilation of facts and figures concerning the previous year’s British athletics scene.
Peter Matthews passes away
In addition to his role as a television commentator, Matthews also worked as an in-field announcer for many games throughout his career. Outside of sports, he also worked as an editor in the Guinness Book of Records from 1991-95.
His services to the sport were recognized in 2009 when he was presented with the Ron Pickering Memorial Award, and again in 2018 when he was included in the England Athletics Hall of Fame.
World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that athletics statistician and commentator Peter Matthews, one of the most respected and authoritative voices in track and field, died on Saturday at the age of 78.
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) September 11, 2023
On social media, sports figures from all around the world shared their condolences and tributes to Matthews.
We can safely say that there’ll be NOBODY in the sport of athletics & road running in the UK, whose life hasn’t been touched by Peter to some extent, even indirectly. His knowledge & passion reached literally millions – in fact, tens of millions, if you include his commentaries.” -Tim Hutchings, two-time World Cross Country Silver Medallist and well-known commentator
“I have known Peter my whole career. He called my races. I went onto work with him in the commentary box. RIP Peter. You will be missed by so many.”- Katharine Merry, broadcaster and commentator
Geoff Wightman, the in-stadium announcer at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, also expressed his condolences to Matthews in his X (formerly Twitter account):
Nobody in athletics has a bad word about Peter Matthews. He was unfailingly kind, calm & humorous in all his dealings.
The doyen of the commentary box & announcing booth. That voice – so smooth & authoritative. He leaves a mass legacy of work – also a huge void
Rest in peace, PM pic.twitter.com/387CG9j5dp— Geoff Wightman (@WightmanGeoff) September 10, 2023
“Nobody in athletics has a bad word about Peter Matthews,” said Geoff Wightman, the in-stadium announcer at the most recent World Championships. “He was unfailingly kind, calm and humorous in all his dealings. The doyen of the commentary box and announcing booth. That voice – so smooth and authoritative. He leaves a mass legacy of work as well as a huge void. Rest in peace.”
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