Athletics

Black, Former Athletics Director Dies

 

Neil Black, who was the former performance director with UK Athletics has died at the age of 60. A statement by the UKA said that Black died over the weekend.

Black was with the UKA for 7 year until he stepped down in 2019, following the banning of Alberto Salazar, who was a consultant for the UKA. Salazar, who had the strong support of Black, was given a four-year ban for doping.

Black, who has always been active in British athletics took on the role of performance director in 2012 after the London Olympics. Since then, he had worked with the UKA, providing them with advice and directions where necessary.

Way before the administrative positions, Black was an athlete, popular for his cross-country performance. He was also a sport physiotherapist and was the personal trainer for four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Mo Farah. Even after he left the position, he still continued to provide advice to coaches and athletes alike.

Part of the reason why Black left in October 2019 was a result of the backlash he received due to the underperformance of British athletes in Doha, Qatar, at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championship. The banning of Salazar, who Black strongly supported, affected his decision to step down.

The UKA expressed their shock at the news of his passing away, describing him as someone who “loved the sport of athletics and dedicated his life to supporting athletes.” Mo Farah called Black “a great man”, saying “I have lost a good friend…known him since I was 14 years old. Neil supported me all the way in my career since I was kid. My heart is broken.”

Many other athletes, including the world 200m champion, Dina Asher-Smith, had something to say about him. Dina described him as a “caring and kind-hearted man whose sense of humour and positivity would light up a room.” Hannah England attributed her 2012 Olympic appearance to the support she received from Black.

 

 

Written by: Leon Osamor

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Champions League, World Cup and many more.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

UECL: Chelsea hammer Shamrock Rovers as Guiu grabs hat-trick

Teenage striker Marc Guiu scored a hat-trick as Chelsea thrashed Shamrock Rovers 5-1 for their… Read More

December 20, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur edge out Man United in thrilling 4-3 EFL Cup win

Tottenham Hotspur secured a dramatic 4-3 win over Manchester United to claim the final EFL… Read More

December 20, 2024

Barcelona set to face off against Atletico Madrid in crucial La Liga clash

Barcelona are gearing up to face off against Atletico Madrid in a highly anticipated La… Read More

December 20, 2024

Usyk vs. Fury 2 Preview

This Saturday, two of boxing's best will meet for the second time. The first time… Read More

December 20, 2024

Gift Orban set to leave Lyon as PSG and Liverpool want Cherki

Reports from France say Olympique Lyonnais striker Gift Orban is close to a move to… Read More

December 20, 2024

Golden State Warriors Top NBA Franchise Value List, Surpassing $9 Billion

The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers dominate not only on… Read More

December 19, 2024