ROLLING back the years – a nonagenarian former champion speed skater has relived his past glories after the care home where he lives arranged for him to visit a roller arena.
Graham Stead, 94, has an enviable collection of medals from his speed skating days in the 50s and 60s, and wanted to revisit a roller arena once again.
So staff at Overslade House Care Home – where he has lived for the past two years – made his wish a reality by arranging a visit to Midland Roller Arena in Lutterworth.
Graham said it was a wonderful surprise that he really enjoyed, whilst pointing out the more promising skaters and especially those with flashing lights on their wheels.
Graham, 18th in the list of senior men to represent Great Britain, was born in Birmingham in 1930. Living just a stone’s throw away from Birmingham Embassy Roller rink, Graham visited frequently and was a relatively latecomer to speed skating when he joined the National Skating Association in 1950.
By 1953 Graham was recognised as one of Britain’s top skaters – and it was that year that he won his first British Championship medal, finishing a close second. By January 1954 Graham had taken no fewer than five major medals in his skating career.
1956 was Graham’s year to shine. In January he became a silver medallist in the Midland Counties Championship. In February he again finished second in the One Mile British Championship on his home track, the Embassy in Birmingham, along with his best friend Les Woodley who finished in third place.
A week later at the Alexandra Palace rink, Graham wrote himself into the record books when he finally won a British title, the Five Mile. It was announced that Graham would be in the British Team for the World Championships in Barcelona, Spain.
Graham’s performances at these Championships over the two days were something to savour. Graham came fourth in all races and picked up a bronze medal for the 5000 metres race.
In 1957, due the NSA’s decision not to send a British Team to the World Championships in Italy, Graham’s interest waned somewhat as he saw it as an opportunity missed.
His passion was rekindled in 1960 when his old team mate Les convinced Graham to start up again when he joined the formidable Midland Club.
In February 1961 he won his last Gold Medal when Midland won the event against their rivals Birmingham in an astonishing time of 8mins 29.4 seconds – almost half a lap ahead.
The NSA once again decided not to send a British Team to the World Championships. Graham was now 31 and knew his skating career was coming to an end, so he retired.
Violeta Baesu, General Manager at Overslade House, said: “Staff at the home were delighted to be a part of making his wish come true, as they knew how much it meant to him, and they all wanted to be there to see the smile on Graham’s face when his wish was realised.
“It was wonderful to see how happy Graham was – and the staff loved being a part of this as well.”
