British native Roald Bradstock threw the jav in two Olympic Games (1984 and 1988) and caught a bug: the Olympic Trials bug. He became a U.S. citizen and threw in our Trials in 2000, 2004 and 2008. This year, at age 50, he’s been invited to compete in the British Olympic Trials. It will be his eighth Trials, fifth in UK. Incredible. He shared the invitation letter (below). So if you ever wondered what it’s like to be a world-class athlete summoned by your country, here you go. Of course, Roald competing in the London Games would be completely unprecedented in his event. The “B” qualifying standard is 79.50 meters (260-10). The listed M50 world record is 71.01 (232-11) by Spain’s Luis Nogueira in 2007. Roald’s latest best throw is 72.35 (237-4) at age 49. (He turned 50 on April 24). Now go show the kids what for, RB!

> From: “Aviva Series 2012 Outdoor Trials”
> Date: May 4, 2012 10:53:27 AM EDT
> To: roaldbradstock@yahoo.com
> Subject: Aviva 2012 Trials
>
> AvivaLogo
> 4th May 2012
>
> Dear Roald (URN 2980635)
>
> United Kingdom Athletics (UKA) is pleased to formally invite you to compete at the Aviva 2012 Trials at the Birmingham Alexander Stadium on 22nd, 23rd and 24th June 2012
>
> You are invited to compete in the:
> – JAVELIN THROW
>
> Please notify us of your acceptance/rejection by responding via email to outdoortrials@uka.org.uk with your name, event and club.
>
> This email is your official invitation and a copy must be brought with you to the event.
>
> EVENT TIMETABLE
>
> A copy of the event timetable for the Aviva 2012 Trials will be available on the UKA website by following this link http://www.uka.org.uk/aviva-series/home/athlete-information. If you follow this link the information that is currently available is which discipline is on which day along with the start and finish times of each day of competition. The Timetable should be available approx 1 month prior to the Aviva 2012 Trials.
>
> REGISTRATION
>
> Upon arrival at the venue please make your way to the athlete accreditation desk which is located within the High Performance Centre, which will be clearly sign posted. Upon submitting this letter of invitation and Athlete Membership Card, Photo or Named ID on-site you will be issued with your accreditation pass. Your accreditation pass will allow you access to the stadium and competition areas. You will then be asked to proceed to the athlete registration desk to confirm your participation and to collect your named bib, which must be worn at all times during your competition.
>
> ACCREDITATION – COACHES AND ATHLETE SUPPORT STAFF
>
> Accreditation for athletes at the Aviva 2012 Trials will be automatically produced in-line with the events entry list or when your acceptance of the invitation to compete at the competition is received.
>
> UKA licensed coaches with a valid CRB and registered UKA athlete representatives requiring access to the warm-up area please visit http://www.uka.org.uk/aviva-series/home/athlete-information/coaches-accreditation-request-form/ and complete the Accreditation form. The system will go live on Tuesday 8th May 2012. Once your application has been approved your accreditation will be available for collection at the athlete entrance.
>
> Please note that children will not be permitted to enter the warm-up area.
>
> N.B. You will only be contacted if your application needs further review or has been rejected.
>
> ANTI – DOPING CONTROL
>
> For all athletes by accepting your invitation to compete you are agreeing to abide by the following rule/statement:
>
> “I hereby (i) acknowledge that I am bound by UKA’s Anti-Doping rules, (ii) agree to submit to drugs testing in connection with this event in accordance with UKA’s Anti-Doping rules (which may involve my providing a blood and/or urine sample); and (iii) confirm that I am either aged 18 years or older or that the person(s) having parental responsibility for me consent to the above testing.”
>
> To check the status of registered medicines please visit www.globaldro.com. For information on testing procedures please visit www.ukad.org.uk. The UKA Anti-Doping Rules are available at www.uka.org.uk. For general anti-doping queries please contact antidoping@uka.org.uk.“
>
> CAR PARKING
>
> Perry Park will be open to the public and athletes for parking and can be accessed via Church Road. Parking is available at a cost of £5 per day. Please note that all athletes are required to pay for parking.
>
> ACCOMMODATION
>
> Please contact Corporate Sporting Events on 0121 779 0882 who will be able to help you with any accommodation enquiries.
>
> WITHDRAWAL
>
> Please note that if you accept and then subsequently have to withdraw you must notify Ian Hodge (0121 713 8496) or Kate Channon (0121 713 8416) immediately. If you have any other queries during the Aviva 2012 Trials either contact Ian Hodge on 07711 731370 or Karen Forbes on 07917 424561.
>
> Athletes that withdraw prior to the event will not be permitted to collect accreditation.
>
> TICKETS
>
> UKA are delighted to offer 2 tickets for one day at the Aviva 2012 Trials, (these tickets will be free of charge but have a small transaction fee) to athletes that compete at this year’s meet. Details of how to redeem your tickets will be sent to your registered email address once you have accepted your invitation, so keep an eye out for it. The tickets available will be distributed on a first come, first served basis so make sure you’re quick off the mark with your purchase.
>
> A further information letter will be sent to all athletes who accept their invitation by Friday 1st June 2012.
>
> May I take this opportunity to wish you a successful season.
>
> Yours sincerely
>
> Cherry Alexander – Head of Competition & International Relations