The former performance director for British Athletics, Neil Black, has died aged 60. Black, a longstanding mentor to Sir Mo Farah, is believed to have died of natural causes.
Black’s death was confirmed by UK athletics, which has said it is ‘shocked and saddened to confirm the loss of our friend and former colleague Neil Black, who passed away suddenly at the weekend.
‘Neil loved the sport of athletics and dedicated his life to supporting athletes – as a world-class physiotherapist, as head of sport science, and then in recent as performance director for British Athletics. Neil will be hugely missed by those that knew and worked with him. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.’
Black worked closely with Sir Mo Farah throughout his time as performance director at British Athletics. However, he left his position in 2019 after Alberto Salazar, Farah's former coach, was banned for four years for doping violations.
Ed Warner, former UK Athletics chairman, said: ‘It was a great privilege to work with [Black], and to share the highs and lows of British teams through the cycles of major competitions. I'll particularly treasure our celebratory clinch in the mixed zone at the Olympic Stadium after the last session of the London 2017 World Championships.
‘Neil bore the barbs of the critics that are an inevitable part of the job of any leader in elite performance sport with a grace and sense of humour that were truly a mark of the man.
‘He wanted to lead the British teams into Tokyo. He won't now be able to cheer their successes there.
‘But I am certain there are British athletes who will win medals in Olympics and championships to come who will look back with enormous gratitude at the role Neil played in preparing them for their success. He will be greatly missed.’
As a runner, Black claimed victories over both Seb Coe and Steve Crams. He was also a highly rated physiotherapist. He took the role of performance director after the London 2012 Olympics and led Team GB to their second-best medal haul at Rio 2016 – 67 in total, including 27 golds.
Black made the decision to step down as performance director in October 2019 after the banning of Salazar, whom Black had always defended. UK Athletics said that Black continued to work as an adviser to several athletes following his resignation.
Athletes pay tribute to Black
Dina Asher-Smith said on social media: ‘Incredibly sad and shocking news. I really can't believe it. He was a genuinely lovely, caring and kind-hearted man whose sense of humour and positivity would light up a room. Rest in peace Neil; you'll be dearly missed by all and my thoughts are with your family at this time.’
Katharine Merry, who won bronze in the 400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, tweeted: ‘What sad news to wake up to. The passing of Neil Black is truly a shock to the world of athletics and to all that knew him for so long… Blimey ... I can’t believe it.’
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