Olympic 400m silver medallist reveals he had the operation final month on the age of 58
One-lap legend Roger Black has revealed he had open coronary heart surgical procedure final month to deal with a situation he’s had since he was a toddler.
Black gained European and Commonwealth gold medals at 400m plus Olympic silver in 1996 behind Michael Johnson and world 4x400m gold in 1991 and 1997.
The 58-year-old mentioned on Instagram: “Three weeks in the past I had open coronary heart surgical procedure to interchange my aortic valve and restore my aortic root. My ‘incompetent’ bicuspid aortic valve was found once I was 11 years previous and for the final 47 years I’ve been sorted by the cardiac group at Southampton Normal Hospital.
“At my annual test up final summer season it was clear that issues had deteriorated regardless of me having no apparent signs. It was a shock however deep down I knew today would come regardless that I by no means allowed my coronary heart illness to outline me and forestall me from pursuing my athletics profession.”
Black praised the hospital workers who handled him earlier than additionally paying tribute to his spouse. “Most of all thanks to my spouse Jules who was there once I awakened in intensive care 11 hours after surgical procedure and has cared for me each day in restoration. Every day has been about small steps – yesterday was an enormous milestone as we walked to the highest of St Martha’s Hill… Our particular place.”
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