The Olympic silver medallist has finally explained the underlying condition that required surgery.
Three-time Olympic medallist Roger Black, has revealed he had open heart surgery last month and is recuperating.
The 58-year-old told The Guardian that the procedure was to treat a heart condition he has known about since he was 11 years old. This means the two-time world champion had experienced the condition for the last 47 years.
“Three weeks ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic root,” Black said. “My ‘incompetent’ bicuspid aortic valve was discovered when I was 11 years old and for the last 47 years I have been looked after by the cardiac team at Southampton General Hospital.
“At my annual check up last summer it was clear that things had deteriorated despite me having no obvious symptoms. It was a shock but deep down I knew this day would come even though I never allowed my heart disease to define me and prevent me from pursuing my athletic career.”
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Black praised the hospital staff who treated him. He also reserved special praise for his wife for her perseverance throughout the whole journey. “Most of all thank you to my wife Jules who was there when I woke up in intensive care 11 hours after surgery and has cared for me every day in recovery. Each day has been about small steps – yesterday was a big milestone as we walked to the top of St Martha’s Hill… Our special place.”
The Britton had a successful career despite the heart problem. At the Atalanta Olympic Games in 1996, Black secured silver in both 400m and in the 4x400m respectively.
Roger Black also boasts of five European Championships gold medals.
Since retiring from athletics, he has worked as a television presenter and motivational speaker. In 2008, Black joined forces with fellow athlete Steve Backley and founded BackleyBlack LLP.
As of July 2022, Black remains ranked joint third in the all-time. Great Britain’s list for the 400m.
