Black said on Instagram: "Three weeks ago I had open heart surgery to replace my aortic valve and repair my aortic root.
FORMER Olympian Roger Black has undergone open heart surgery on a condition he has lived with for 47 years.
"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.
'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.
"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.
