CHRISTIAN Malcolm has led the tributes to former coach and “father figure” Jock Anderson following the Scotsman’s death.

Anderson took Malcolm under his wing when the Newport-born sprinter-turned-coach was just 11.

Malcolm became world junior champion over 100m and 200m in 1998, and was also crowned world junior athlete of the year.

Four Olympic Games followed, while Malcolm won medals at the World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games.

Newport resident Anderson coached several other Welsh athletes including Gwent 400m runner Jamie Baulch, who he guided to a world junior title, one-lap specialist Tim Benjamin and sprinter Doug Turner.

Writing on social media, Malcolm, 40, said: “Yesterday we lost a very special man in the athletics world.

“My coach Jock Anderson was like a father figure to me and guided me from the age of 11 years old.

“You enabled me to achieve so much. A character that will never be forgotten.”

Speaking about Anderson in December 2017, Malcolm said: "I have learned so much from him and would not have achieved what I did in athletics without him.

"His coaching style is different to every other of the world-class coaches I worked with. He has helped me a lot to understand coaching and how to prepare athletes.”

Olympic silver medallist and 1997 world 4x400m relay champion Baulch, 46, added: “An amazing coach who got me to win a world junior title.

“His commitment, passion and knowledge to the sport was unprecedented and I feel honoured to have been coached by him.”

Katharine Merry, who won bronze in the 400m at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, said: “So sad to hear the passing of Jock Anderson who guided, amongst others, Christian Malcolm for so many years.

“Jock was a much-loved man, a funny man, a no-nonsense man – and a great coach.

Commonwealth Games shot put bronze medallist Shaun Pickering added: “Jock was an inspirational man and a wonderful, caring, human being, whose influence touched so many athletes, not least Christian Malcolm. We have lost another great one.”

Fellow coach Tony Minichiello, the man who guided Jessica Ennis-Hill to heptathlon glory at London 2012, said: “Incredibly sad news, a lovely man and great to be with on trips. A no-nonsense kind of coach and great company.”

Welsh Athletics tweeted: “Welsh Athletics is saddened to hear of the passing of legendary coach Jock Anderson. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time.”