AN Olympic fan died of a suspected heart attack after watching cycling at the velodrome.

Sports fanatic Conrad Readman, 49, of St Helena Road, Colchester, had taken two weeks off to watch every day of the Olympics.

He had already witnessed the opening ceremony and many of Team GB’s gold medal moments.

He was in the velodrome to watch Victoria Pendleton and the men’s team pursuit both win gold when he took ill.

He was discovered in the toilets at the venue.

The chartered accountant, who lived with and cared for his mother Joan, is believed to have died from a heart attack.

Mum Joan said: “He had been looking forward to it ever since in it was announced.

“There was never a day he was not excited about it and and he got tickets for the whole fortnight.

“He was coming home every night so excited and telling me about everything he had done.”

On Friday night officers from the Metropolitan Police broke the tragic news to her.

She said: “My neighbour came and held my hand and they told me he had a heart attack at the Olympics.

“He had never had a problem with his heart and had not been to a doctor in 15 years.

“He died doing something he loved so I am happy he was where he was but I can’t watch any of it now.

“I had it all on all day but I can’t bear it now and don’t want to see anymore.

“I have turned the television off and cancelled all the papers.”

Conrad lived in Hospital Road before moving to St Helena Road.

He attended Hamilton Primary and then the Colchester Royal Grammar Schools before spending 30 years working in the town, for many years with Peyton Tyler Mears.

His father Dennis died 19 years ago leaving him and his mum who he helped every day.

She said: “He was good as gold and never any trouble. He would help anybody.

"He loved watching a lot of sport and I am so very proud of him.”

Employer and friend Tim Peyton said: “I have worked with him since 1982 and am shocked.

“He was a lynchpin for us. Clients and staff liked him. He will be sorely missed by all of us.”

Conrad was also a keen Tottenham Hotspur fan and season ticket holder and had watched England’s football team play football around the world with the supporters’ club.

 

  • CONRAD Readman searched the globe for Olympic tickets and he was not disappointed.

     

    Since hearing London was hosting the games he was determined not to miss a minute and had tickets for every day.

    But on day eight, following all the adrenalin and excitement, it is believed his heart gave out.

     

  • Day One: Attended the Olympic opening ceremony.

     

     

  • Day Two: Morning at the rowing at Eton Dorney, afternoon at the Olympic park and evening at the handball.

     

     

  • Day Three: Hockey in the morning, archery in the afternoon and football in the evening.

     

     

  • Day Four: Basketball in the morning, afternoon diving including Tom Daley and Peter Waterfield and fencing in the evening.

     

     

  • Day Five: Swimming at the Aquatic Centre in the morning and beach volleyball in the afternoon.

     

     

  • Day Six: Badminton in the morning, hockey in the afternoon and weight lifting in the evening.

     

     

  • Day Seven: Swimming in the morning including watching Rebecca Adlington and Michael Phelps, afternoon at the Canoe Slalom for a British first and second and water polo in the evening.

     

     

  • Day Eight: Tennis late morning and early afternoon. Then to the Olympic Veledrome.

     

    Conrad collapsed from a suspected heart attack and was found at 6.15pm in a velodrome toilet shortly before Victoria Pendleton and the men’s team pursuit cycled their way to a gold medal.