A 47-year-old javelin thrower who lived in Broxbourne before moving to the United States is aiming to make a remarkable bid to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics.
Roald Bradstock, who broke the British, Commonwealth and European javelin records and set a world record in 1986, has been told by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) that his request for a change in status had been granted – allowing him to compete for Great Britain after more than a decade of doing so for the USA.
The former Broxbourne School pupil is a naturalised American citizen, but will now attempt to compete in an eighth consecutive Olympic trials in the javelin at the age of 50 for the host country.
“My Olympic journey began over 40 years ago in Broxbourne,” said Bradstock.
“It has taken me around the world, living in two Olympic cities Los Angeles and Atlanta.
“It seems only fitting that I end my athletic career on my home turf and hopefully in the Olympic Stadium in 2012.
“My Olympic journey would then be complete, travelling full circle from beginning to end.”
Bradstock represented GB in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics and competed in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 US Olympic Trials.
“I was the first Briton to break 90m with a Commonwealth record of 91.40m in 1985,” said Bradstock.
“I was the first person in the world to break the 80m barrier with the new javelin with a world record 81.74m in 1986, which I then improved to a lifetime-best of 83.84m the following year."
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