Was there ever a time when you worried how you were going to make ends meet?
No, thankfully, because I really underpaid myself in those early years and subsequently I never overstretched myself. I was earning far more in a year than my house cost at that age. Also, all the typical things that a young person would spend money on ? mobile, car and petrol ? were looked after by sponsorship. I didn't have much chance to spend what I was earning, so I was actually saving a lot.
So have you always been a saver rather than a spender?
Er, no [laughing]. I did feel guilty when my peers around me who were training just as hard weren't getting the rewards that I was, so I'd pay for them to come warm-weather training with me or pay for everyone's dinner when we went out. I wasn't trying to be flash, but I thought it'd be nicer to share my good fortune, given my success was due in part to me being genetically blessed with more super-fast twitch muscles than most athletes.
Have your spending habits changed since you retired from sports in 2003 and gone into presenting?
I spend even less now because I'm more cautious. When you're younger, you think your good fortune is never going to end. I still work hard even though I've got all the material things I need. I would much rather save, or spend money on experiences, like going skiing in Japan and spending time in the remote outdoors where I can get peace and quiet.
What's the biggest lesson you've learnt about business and money?
Take calculated, more controlled risks, and the fastest route isn't necessarily the best or indeed safest.
What's been your best buy or business decision?
Definitely the two houses I own in Penarth, opposite Cardiff Bay. I live in one three-bedroom one and my parents live in another, which I view as my pension. I got early word about the development after I saw a tiny ad, and snapped up the cliff-top properties after I saw them on the most beautifully glorious day. It's the perfect location because I have the seaside view and a city backdrop, plus I know that'll never change as nothing can be built in front of me. I feel very privileged. I can watch the fog roll in across the bay, which is quite eerie but also spectacular.
Anything not pan out the way you'd hoped?
The sports management and promotions company Nuff Respect that I set up with a former friend [Linford Christie] in the Nineties would be my only regret. We could have both managed it better, but if you're the product as well as the manager, it's difficult to get a balance. I remember thinking at the time, "If only I was retiring before Linford was retiring . . ."
It would have been much better for the company as I could have put more effort in as I've more business sense than he has. [Jackson and Christie parted company very acrimoniously and the former best friends no longer speak.]
Are you a cash or card man?
A bit of both, but it can be quite laborious if I'm doing a transaction which is partly personal and partly a business expense. For instance, I can be in the supermarket buying a bottle of wine, so I'll put that through on my personal card. But at the same time I can be getting shoe polish because I've an event coming up, so I'll have to whip out my business card. When I tell people I'm that pernickety they say I've too much time on my hands. But I don't want to get into a slanging match with the Inland Revenue so I feel more at ease doing it right in the first place.
How good a tipper are you?
I'm pretty good, especially when I go for breakfast or brunch, because I wouldn't want to be up early serving punters. I normally add a bit more on top of the typical 12.5pc a lot of restaurants automatically put on, but if they're really rubbish I don't take it off but I certainly wouldn't give them any more.
Do you invest in stocks and shares?
I'm not much of a gambler, so I wouldn't be able to do it myself. I have a broker, but the bottom line is it has to be safe, safe, safe. I know brokers have to make a living too, but I don't suffer fools gladly so if you try to muck me about, I will come after you!
Do you bank online?
Yes, with NatWest. It's very useful when I'm on the move. My personal relationship manager, Sandy, and my accountant work together very closely so I feel confident they're putting together the best package for me.
What is your financial priority for the next five years?
I really want to expand my multimedia production company, Red Shoes, which is based in Wales. I'm enjoying helping develop new ideas for programming and getting them commissioned, and following it through to the production stage. It really is a joint effort for the three partners.
We're all equals, but neither am I afraid to use the contacts I do have to help us get an edge. It's never good if a company relies too much on one person within it.
Green Giant has joined with Colin Jackson to encourage families to Jump To It and get their five a day. For information visit facebook.com/GreenGiantUK
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