Dick Liversedge

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.