Join us for the first live episode of the Serpie Talks of 2026, when we invite Avril Riddell, an active Serpentine member who competed in the 1980 Winter Olympics.

After the successful episodes last year with some of our distinguished members, and as the world’s best winter sports athletes gather in Italy for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in February, we are inviting a former winter Olympian to tell us what it was like to be in the Games!

Many Serpies have met Avril through our club events such as cross country, track sessions, and club championship races, and it is well known to us how active she is in her 70s. What may be less well known is she represented Team GB in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, US, in the luge event.

We are honoured to have her tell us about her experience in winter sports, then later on how she picked up running, and how she has kept active and athletic well into her senior years. Join us that evening at St Mary’s School for what promises to be a fascinating conversation.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday 27th February 2026

• Time: Doors open at 18:30, main event from 19:00 to 20:00 (approx)

• Venue: St Mary’s Bryanston Square Primary School, Enford Street, London W1H 1DL (Same place as our Wednesday Runs.  Closest Tube: Marylebone)

This is a free event for all Serpies and guests. Please feel free to invite your friends and family who are not yet members to join us. Please also join us for some socialising afterwards in a local pub – we will announce where at the end of the event proper.

Register yourself for Serpie Talks Episode 5 - 27 Feb 2026