British legend’s daughter snubs Team GB to run for France in stadium where dad won gold as she targets LA Olympics

ROGER BLACK’s daughter wants to be an Olympian – for FRANCE not Britain. Black, 60, was a five-time European gold medallist and a Team GB star in 1996 with his Olympic silver, finishing behind unbeatable American Michael Johnson at the Atlanta Games. Isabelle Black is competing for France rather than Great Britain Credit: AFP Roger Black won Olympic silver for Team GB Credit: AP:Associated Press The Gosport-born sprinter had a child, Isabelle Black, from his previous marriage to French international sprinter Elsa Devassoigne. In a stadium where Roger won the national 400 metres title 30 years ago, Ms Black, born in Guildford, was competing with the French tricolour flag on her chest. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Black, a late bloomer into athletics, competed in the semi-finals of the women’s 400 metres, with her proud dad watching from the Alexander Stadium stands. But her time of 50.72 seconds was not enough to advance to the final on Saturday night. However, the 26-year-old has lofty ambitions to be a successful runner – with her eyes firmly fixed on the LA Olympics in two years’ time. Black – who lives and trains in Uxbridge, London, under the guidance of Tony Lester – will compete again as part of the women’s 4×400 metres relay squad. She said: “I was really excited to race here. “I’m disappointed a little bit (not to qualify) but also proud of myself. Because it’s my first Champs, my first here in Birmingham and England. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Isabelle Black’s mum is French former athlete Elsa Devassoigne Credit: AFP “I felt good out there but it’s a Championship and you never know. It was really windy at the end. I tried to give my best. “I tried to feel everything, all of the energy. “I know what it means with my dad and his history. So I was excited. “I’m so proud of the name. I respect my dad for what he has done. “Now, I just want to write my own story, do my own stuff, by being proud as well. “I have watched his videos on YouTube. I am impressed. He was a good athlete. “I want to go to the Olympic Games individually. I want to see how far I can go. Can I get a medal? I don’t know. I am only 26. “It’s just brand new, the times I have done this year. So, I don’t know where I can go. Honestly, I want to go as far as I can.” Comment now