Dennis Collison

Dennis Collison was born in Guyana before moving to the United States to attend Adelphi University in New York. Collison became a track-and-field student who specialised in sprinting, eventually representing Guyana at international competitions. Whilst at Adelphi he met his future wife, June Griffith, who was also a gifted track sprinter. In 1975 Collison reached the semi-finals of the 200 metres at the Pan American Games in Mexico City. He was also part of the quartet that ran in the final of the 4 x 100 metres relay at the Games, where they set a national record. One year later Collison was selected to compete at the 1976 Montréal Olympics, but did not start due to the African-led boycott of the Games.

Collison continued with his studies at Adelphi University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He then worked in law enforcement as a probation investigator in L.A. County. Dennis and June’s son, Darren, was a professional basketball player.