Roger Black represented Britain at the highest level in athletics for 14 years. His specialities were the 400 metres and the 4 × 400 metres relay race.

Athletics, in fact, determined the course of his life from an early age. Roger was born in Portsmouth in 1966 and educated at Portsmouth Grammar School. He gained a place to read medicine at Southampton University in 1985. By then, however, he had already shown where his talents lay and he decided to rescind his place to concentrate on his track and field career.

Six years later he was to receive an honorary degree from the university.

In his time he picked up 15 major championship medals, including European, Commonwealth and World Championship golds, and was the British men’s team captain. He is best known for gaining a silver medal in the 400 metres at the 1996 Olympic Games, but this came after he had undergone five surgical operations.

After his athletics achievements Roger became a sports presenter on BBC Television and presented a regular BBC series, City Hospital.

His publicity material reads: “By combining his close understanding of motivation, the dynamics of teamwork and self–development with his personal experiences both on and off the track, he consistently inspires, motivates and entertains audiences throughout the country.”

He was made an MBE in 1992.