Dick Liversedge

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexMale
Full nameRichard Lorton "Dick"•Liversedge
Used nameDick•Liversedge
Born31 August 1940 in Cockermouth, England (GBR)
Died19 January 2022
Measurements182 cm / 78 kg
NOC Great Britain

Biography

Dick Liversedge was the first British luger to compete in three successive Winter Olympics, 1968-76, with a best finish of 33rd in 1976. He also entered the doubles in 1976 with Russell Tapp, but they came off at the ninth bend on the first run. The pair completed the course but were not given a time, and Tapp hobbled off with a badly gashed knee and was taken to hospital. Liversedge was the Great Britain luge captain in 1976, and in 1980 was president of the British Racing Toboggan Association. He also served as the British representative on the International Luge Medical Commission, with special regard to doping control.

Liversedge was educated at Tonbridge school before completing dental studies at the Royal London Hospital, from where he qualified as a dentist. He returned to the Royal London to later qualify in medicine and he became a specialist in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. Liversedge enjoyed consultancy posts at the Edgware, Barnet, and Middlesex Hospital. He eventually retired at the age of 71, feeling that the excessive amount of bureaucracy interfered with the job he loved so much. After retiring Liversedge enjoyed family life and found time to follow his interest of metalwork.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1968 Winter Olympics Luge GBR Dick Liversedge
Singles, Men (Olympic) 39
1972 Winter Olympics Luge GBR Dick Liversedge
Singles, Men (Olympic) 42
1976 Winter Olympics Luge GBR Dick Liversedge
Singles, Men (Olympic) 33
Doubles, Open (Olympic) Russell Tapp AC