Backley Black

Two of Britain’s Most Decorated Olympians, Roger Black & Steve Backley, Partners of BackleyBlack Ltd & Business Performance Coaches

Backley Black’s Biography:

Backley Black is a high-performance speaking duo comprised of Roger Black MBE and Steve Backley OBE, two of Britain’s most decorated Olympic athletes. Together, they bring unparalleled insight into leadership, resilience and sustained excellence at the highest level of sport. Between them, they have won multiple World, European, Commonwealth and Olympic medals, making them uniquely qualified to speak on what it truly takes to deliver peak performance under pressure. Their combined experience of elite competition, teamwork and long-term success positions them as powerful and credible keynote speakers for organisations facing change and challenge.

Roger began his career as a 400m runner, rising to global prominence as one of Britain’s greatest ever track athletes. Over the course of his career, he claimed two World Championship titles, five European Championship titles and two Commonwealth Games gold medals, alongside multiple Olympic and World Championship silver medals. His consistency at the very top of international sport set him apart, and in recognition of his achievements, he was appointed MBE for services to athletics in 1992.

Steve established himself as one of the world’s leading javelin throwers, becoming a dominant force in international field events. He secured four European Championship titles, three Commonwealth Games gold medals and two Olympic silver medals, alongside multiple World Championship podium finishes. Steve also formerly held both the World Record and British Record in the javelin with a throw of 91.46 metres. His contribution to British sport was recognised with an MBE in 1995 and an OBE in 2003.

Following their competitive careers, Roger and Steve partnered to form BlackleyBlack Ltd, translating elite sporting principles into practical lessons for business and leadership. Roger is also the author of ‘Roger Black: How Long’s the Course?‘, while both athletes continue to inspire audiences by sharing honest insights into adversity, teamwork and sustained high performance.

Why Hire Backley Black?

Backley Black are hired as speakers for their exceptional ability to translate elite sporting success into meaningful lessons for leadership and organisational performance. They have delivered keynote speeches for the likes of BMW, embedding Olympic principles into business contexts in a way that is practical, credible and highly engaging.

Drawing on decades of competing and winning at Olympic, World and European Championship level, Roger and Steve explore what it takes to perform under pressure, manage setbacks and sustain excellence over time. Their sessions focus on trust, accountability and mindset, leaving audiences with clear strategies they can apply immediately in demanding environments.

Backley Black’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Backley Black’s career throughout sports:

• 2026 – Roger Black continued his work with the British Heart Foundation, supporting awareness and education around heart health, resilience and performance following his own personal experience of cardiac health challenges.
• 2023 – Maintained a strong presence on the international speaking circuit as Backley Black, supporting organisations through change, pressure and performance transformation.
• 2009 – Became partners at BlackleyBlack Ltd, combining their elite sporting experience to deliver leadership and high-performance programmes for corporate audiences.
• 2009 – Steve Backley was inducted into the London Youth Games Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to British athletics.
• 2003 – Steve Backley was appointed OBE for services to athletics following sustained international success.
• 1999 – Roger Black published Roger Black: How Long’s the Course?, offering insight into elite performance, motivation and mental resilience.
• 1995 – Roger Black was awarded an Honorary Degree from Southampton University in recognition of his achievements in athletics.
• 1995 – Steve Backley was appointed MBE for services to athletics after a highly successful competitive career.
• 1992 – Roger Black was appointed MBE for services to athletics, recognising his consistency and impact at the highest level of international sport.