Running for club ASPTT Bordeaux, Olivier Noirot is the son of middle-distance runner André Noirot and specialist in 400 meters Monique Wideman, both of whom were Champions of France several times in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1989 Olivier won his first national title in the 400 m 46.29s and then won the title the following year over the same distance in the time of 46.04s. He made his debut on the international stage on the occasion of the 1990 European Championships at Split where he was eliminated in the semifinals of the individual competition, and placed seventh in the 4 × 400 relay with his French teammates.