FORMER Olympian Roger Black has undergone open heart surgery on a condition he has lived with for 47 years. The Team GB legend is a two-time 4x400m relay world champion and he won two silver medals at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Black, 58, battled a congenital heart condition throughout his glittering career. But the athlete underwent surgery last month after his health took a turn for the worse. Black said on Instagram: "Three weeks ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic root.
![[Man in hospital gown giving thumbs up.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NINTCHDBPICT000972029355.jpg?strip=all&w=596)
"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.
![[Roger Black of Great Britain accepting his silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/e4508ace-949a-4441-b174-0a1e7207fe92.jpg?strip=all&w=805)
"Thank you to Mr Tsang and all the medical team in Southampton who cared for me during what was a tough time in hospital. I am forever grateful. "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.".
