Harnessing Talent Athlete

Viv Oliver - World Veteran Champion - Athletics

"Persevere, grin, bear it and keep going. It will be worth it when you stand on that podium and the heavy metal is placed around your neck."

Biography:
Viv played rugby and football till the age of 21, before he “retired”.  Apart from the occasional game of squash, badminton and jogging he didn’t participate much in any sports. At the age of 41 he joined Nottingham Athletics Club where he began training for the 100 and 200m. Success soon followed, when he began a winning streak beating all opponents in local, regional and national competitions.

In July 1996, Viv took part in his first major international competition when he represented England in the European Veteran Championships.  He came 3rd in the 100m and despite sustaining a torn hamstring in the qualifying heats, went on to finish 6th in the 200m finals. In 1996/97 his winning streak continued with him being voted the Midlands Athlete of the Year and gaining the UK indoor records for both the 60 and 200m.

Over 10 years on, Viv is still on form and continuing to achieve medals on the international stage. At the British Masters Indoor Championship in 2007, Viv won gold medals in the 60 and 200m in the M55 age category - his time of 24.70 seconds was a new record. At the European Indoor Championships he won 60m setting new British record, placed 2nd in the 200m and also won Gold in 4x200m relay setting a new World record.  At the World Masters Championships in late 2007 he won two Silver medals and one Gold; in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m Relay.

In March 2008 at the World Indoor Masters Championships in France, Viv won a silver medal in the 60m and a Gold medal in the 4x200M with the team setting a new World record. Looking to the summer of 2009, Viv has set his sights on attending the World Masters Championships after a winter hampered by Achilles injuries.

Click here to see his Competitive History

Click here to see how Viv and DKH Legacy Trust are working together, and to find out about Viv's 'giving back' activities.