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5 minutes with… Roger Black MBE
Roger Black MBE is a former Olympic, European, Commonwealth and World Championship 400m athlete and celebrity ambassador for our charity. After becoming European Junior 400m Champion in 1985, he went on to be crowned Commonwealth and European 400m Champion and British Record holder. Roger also had great success being part of the British 4 x 400m relay team, taking the gold medal at the World Championships in Tokyo in 1991 and won a 400m silver medal at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.
Since retiring from athletics in 1998, Roger has become a popular speaker, TV personality, and owner of Roger Black Fitness. Roger is a proud ambassador for the Trust and lives in Surrey with his wife Jules, and children Max, George, and Isabelle. He has an 18-year-old nephew who has cystic fibrosis.
Why is supporting Cystic Fibrosis Trust and the work of the Trust important to you?
I try to support charities that I have a genuine connection with. My nephew has CF, so we as a family, have a greater understanding and a respect and appreciation for what it means to live with CF daily.
In the time that you’ve supported Cystic Fibrosis Trust, is there a moment, an individual or an occasion that stands out to you the most?
Over the years I have hosted ‘CF’S GOT TALENT’, where we celebrate and hear from graduate research scientists who are working hard to improve the lives of everyone with CF.
Their work and meeting people in the community is always inspiring.
Seeing my nephew be able to live a positive, active, and exciting life is always so inspiring to me too.
What is something you wish the public understood about cystic fibrosis?
I’m not sure people truly appreciate the commitment, love and hard work that parents with a child with CF give every day in order to do all they can to give their child the best quality of life possible.
You’re known for being an Olympic athlete, how do you stay fit these days?
Fitness for me at 55 is very different to when I was trying to win Olympic medals! I now exercise for both mental and physical health and keep to a routine of jogging for half an hour six mornings a week whenever possible with my wife Jules and our two dogs.
I have a leaking aortic valve so as I get older it becomes even more important that I keep moving and maintain aerobic exercise – I also use my range of home fitness equipment especially when the weather is bad!
Being an athlete means displaying both mental and physical strength. How have you dealt with adversity in the past?
As an athlete, I learnt that success takes time and that there can be many setbacks along the way – overcoming adversity is a lot more likely if you continue to hold onto your goal and focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t do.
Aside from supporting Cystic Fibrosis Trust and people with CF, what else are you currently working on?
I’m busy at the moment running my home exercise equipment business Roger Black Fitness now we are selling direct to consumers, which now allows me to connect with and understand my customers wants and needs.
I’m also an Ambassador for The British Heart Foundation and still get invited now and again to appear on the odd reality TV show which is always fun!
Quick fire questions
What is your favourite film? The Princess Bride
What was your first pet? A budgie, named George!
Who is your celebrity crush? Robin Wright, who played Buttercup in The Princess Bride
What does typical Saturday look like? Usually a family lie in, a run in the woods and always followed by a coffee and crossword. In the evening, either time with friends or a takeaway. As a family, we always watch Strictly. I was in series 2!
What’s your guilty pleasure? A packet of Frazzles!
Roger competed in BBC1 quiz show ‘Pointless Celebrities’ on 28 May 2022, to raise money for our charity. Watch here to find out how he got on.
Read more about our celebrity ambassadors and supporters
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects more than 10,800 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.
Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives - and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.
Your donations help us fund vital research. Donate today to help everyone with CF live a life unlimited.
Wear Yellow Day
Unite with us on Friday 17 June, Wear Yellow and raise money to help create a brighter future for people living with cystic fibrosis. Dress up, bake or take on a physical challenge, but whatever you do… do it in yellow!