1973 Wilbert Greaves
Wilbert Greaves is the Mayfield boy who went on to represent Great Britain in the 110m Hurdles at two Olympics, Moscow 1980 and Los Angeles 1984. Wilbert, who was born in Bridgetown, Barbados, left Mayfield in 1973 and in 1975 represented the UK at the European Junior Championships in Athens. He reached the semi finals of the 400m hurdles but just failed to qualify for the final.
The photo shows Wilbert on the right coming fourth in the final of the 110m Hurdles at the European Championships in 1982 with a time of 13.67 seconds. He was just pipped to the Bronze Medal position by Arto Brygarre of Finland who clocked 13.60 seconds.
Wilbert, on the right, in action at the 1982 European Championships
In a recent interview with This is Kent Wilbert, now a 55-year-old father-of-two and a sports development officer for Shepway District Council, said: ‘My sport has taken me all over the world, I’ve met so many people and seen so many cultures – I’ve loved every minute of it and I still do. Some people dream of being Olympic champion but I never had those dreams – I just liked running.’
Wilbert with his certificate of participation in the Moscow Olympics
In an email dated 8 June 2012, Wibert says: I am currently working on the torch relay due to pass through Folkestone on 18 July and then I am off to the trials in Birmingham 22-23 June. It is a very busy and exciting year and I am looking forward to being part of the sports presentation team at the the Olympic Stadium for Olympic and Paralympic competitions. It is nice to be recognised for my sporting exploits way after my school days. Thank you and good luck with the website.
I remember Wilbert was in my year, but as always in life lost contact after leaving Mayfield.
Mark Fenn
I remember him, around my year. But I don’t remember his achievements at the time, which is a shame.
Ed Deyner
Wilbert was also pretty good at basketball and brilliant fun at school. Hi Wilbert – still doing good I hope.
Neil Bartlett
Wilbert here, Neil, we made contact some time ago but never got to meet. I also remember Mark Fenn, but lads, would not have a clue what you both look like now! Give me a shout.
Wilbert Greaves
Hi Wilbert
Still handsome this end, how’s about yourself. Life certainly flies by and seems to keep getting busier. One of these days I am sure we will meet up and catch up on the early years. Still remember listening to your record breaking run in OZ Commonwealth, I think. I was in a car in the wilds of Cornwall and had to pull over. Well done.
Neil Bartlett
Hi Wilbert,
Just stumbled on to your name on this site. How are you mate? I remember the good times at Ilford A.C. Are you still exercising? I carried on into my fifties before a knee operation scuttled my ambition to place in the National over 55s triathlon.
Ernie Barrett
Hi Wilbert..you can find me on Facebook…now live in Whitstable Kent..so look me up..and a happy new year.
Mark Fenn
Hi Wilbert. I would think that you will not remember me, but we were friends at school. We both enjoyed sports and I played rugby for the school and also did gymnastics, basketball and some field events.
Andy Chappell
Hi Wilbert
Its been a long time. I remember running in the 100m relay at school for Park House team which was green. Not sure you would remember me though. Married, 2 children, living in chelmsford.
Ian Watkins
Hi Wilbert … Do you remember the dinner time Basketball matches we used to have with the teachers? Pat Carney, Ian Palot vs you, Gary Rogers, Doug Reman and me. Great times, fantastic memories.
Craig Wallace
Hi Wilbert, long time no see can’t believe I used to beat you on the flat, and you went to the Olympics. Remember getting me to come to Cricklefields training? I played basketball and rugby for school. Love to catch up, had some great times. John price.
Hello
Could you let me know if you competed for England in the 1982 Commonwealth Games held in Brisbane, Australia. I was a part of the opening ceremony as an Advance Australia Girl, and at the ceremony I exchanged my red Australian jumper for the team jacket for England. Just wondering if it was you. Apparently my jumper was being given to (if it was you) your girlfriend back in England. By the way I still have the England Jacket.