Former Olympians, Co-Founders of High-Performance Consultancy Backley Black LTD & Business Performance Coaches

Roger Black and Steve Backley are two of Britain’s most celebrated Olympians and the founders of BlackleyBlack Ltd, a high-performance consultancy established to help organisations unlock sustained success through the principles of elite sport. Combining decades of experience competing at the very highest level with extensive work in business, Roger and Steve are sought after as high performance keynote speakers who inspire audiences to build resilient teams, lead through change and develop winning cultures. Their engaging presentations are ideal for leadership conferences, corporate events and business forums, where they share practical strategies for achieving excellence under pressure and sustaining peak performance.

Roger’s journey began with a passion for athletics that developed into one of the most distinguished careers in British track and field. Alongside becoming a two-time World Champion in the 4x400m relay, he won five European titles, two Commonwealth Games gold medals and Olympic, World Championship and European Championship medals across the 400 metres and 4x400m relay. Steve established himself as one of the greatest javelin throwers in history, winning four European titles, three Commonwealth Games gold medals, two Universiade gold medals and multiple Olympic and World Championship medals. Their experiences of overcoming setbacks, maintaining motivation and performing consistently at the highest level provide the authentic foundation of their keynote presentations.

Following their athletic careers, Roger and Steve channelled their expertise into the business world by founding BlackleyBlack Ltd. Drawing on the lessons they learned from elite sport, they work with organisations to improve leadership, teamwork, communication and high performance. Roger also authored the book ‘Roger Black: How Long’s the Course?’, reflecting on the determination and resilience required to achieve success, while both continue to advise businesses on developing cultures that deliver lasting results. Their combined sporting and commercial experience enables them to translate world-class performance into practical strategies that audiences can apply immediately.

Roger and Steve’s achievements have earned widespread recognition throughout their careers. Roger was appointed an MBE for Services to Athletics and received an Honorary Degree from Southampton University, while Steve was appointed both an MBE and later an OBE before being inducted into the London Youth Games Hall of Fame. Their sporting success has also led to numerous media appearances, where they are respected voices on leadership, performance and elite competition.

Why Hire Backley Black?

As keynote speakers, Roger and Steve stand out for their ability to combine compelling personal stories with proven performance frameworks that resonate across every sector. Their presentations explore trust, accountability, resilience, adaptability and the psychology of sustained success, demonstrating how the principles behind Olympic achievement can transform teams and organisations. Delivering practical insights alongside inspirational experiences, Roger and Steve leave audiences with the mindset and tools needed to perform at their very best in demanding environments.