Boy Who Raced From Gosport To Glory

A successful athlete can be inspired by a hero of their chosen sport, pride in competing for their country, or the support of family. Roger Black is inspired by all of the above, plus his home county of Hampshire.

- Bernard Bale

ROGER Black MBE has a vast selection of medals and trophies, the rewards of a glittering career on the athletics track. But success was achieved in the face of adversity which included serious injuries and health problems, including a career-threatening bout of glandular fever and the diagnosis of a leaky heart valve as a child. He is now passing on the determination and positive outlook he showed to recover from illness and injury to others, travelling the country as a motivational speaker with fellow Olympic athlete, javelin thrower Steve Backley. He cites his Hampshire upbringing as a factor in his success. Roger’s sporting prowess was first noticed at Alverstoke Church of England Primary, Gosport, and later at Portsmouth Grammar School, where he excelled at football as a lightning-quick forward. His athletics potential was spotted and nurtured in Hampshire, at Southampton Athletics Club.

Roger’s sporting career took him all over the world and for 14 years he was a Great Britain athlete, mostly in 400-metres. He won 15 major medals and perhaps his greatest and favourite was bringing home two silver medals from the Atlanta 1996 Olympics in the 400 metre individual event and relay.

Now 51, he is married to Julia Burgess and they have twin sons, George and Max. He also has a daughter, Isabelle, from his first marriage to French sprinter Elsa de Vassoigne.

What does Hampshire mean to you?