A former British Olympic runner who later became a surgeon is set to stand trial for alleged abuse against his wife. Curtis Robb, 53, competed in the 800 metres at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and again in Atlanta four years later. He now faces charges of intentionally suffocating his wife and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour over an eight-year period.
Career transition from athletics to medicine
After concluding his middle-distance running career, Robb qualified as a doctor and specialised as a trauma and orthopaedic surgeon focusing on hip and knee conditions. He is understood to work at Spire Cheshire Hospital in Warrington, Cheshire.
Allegations and court appearance
Robb, from Northwich, appeared at Chester Crown Court on May 29. One charge of controlling and coercive behaviour is alleged to have occurred between December 2015 and August 2023 in Crowton, Cheshire. He is also charged with intentionally suffocating his wife in the Lake District in April 2023. Robb has denied both charges and will stand trial on June 8.
A former three-time British champion, Liverpool-born Robb achieved his best Olympic result in Barcelona, finishing sixth in the final. The following year, he placed fourth in the 800m final at the World Athletics Championships in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1996, he returned to the Olympics but was eliminated in the semi-finals due to the after-effects of a long-term leg injury.
