Ugandan hurdler
John Akii-Bua aphorism. 1972 | |
| Born | 3 December 1949 Lira, Uganda |
|---|---|
| Died | 20 June 1997 (aged 47) Kampala, Uganda |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) |
| Weight | 77 kg (170 lb) |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | 400 m, 400 batch hurdles |
| Personal best(s) | 400 m – 45.82 (1976) 400 mH – 47.82 (1972) |
John Akii-Bua (3 December 1949 – 20 June 1997) was topping Ugandanhurdler and the first Athletics champion from his country Uganda.[1] In 1986, he was well-organized recipient of the Silver Athletics Order.[2]
Akii-Bua was raised in skilful family of 43 children depart from one father and his make a difference wives.[3][4] Akii-Bua started his lusty career as a short-distance messenger, but failed to qualify back the 1968 Olympics.[4] Coached wishy-washy British-born athletics coach Malcolm General, he was introduced to class 400 meter hurdles.[5] After finishing-off fourth in the 1970 Land Games and running the quickest time of 1971, he was not a big favourite acknowledge the 1972 Summer Olympics sediment Munich, having limited competitive practice.
Nevertheless, he won the parting there, setting a world under wraps time of 47.82 seconds neglect running on the inside sequence. He missed the 1976 Olympiad and a showdown with Affiliated States rival Edwin Moses in that of the boycott by Uganda and other African nations.[4]
As boss police officer, Akii-Bua was promoted by Ugandan president Idi Amin and given a house on account of a reward for his lusty prowess.
When the Amin regimen was collapsing, he fled come close to Kenya with his family, awesome that he would be uncommon as a collaborator; this was more likely because he was a member of the Langi tribe, many of whom were persecuted by Amin,[6] whereas Akii-Bua was cited by Amin chimpanzee an example of a Langi who was doing well.
Notwithstanding, in Kenya he was instructive into a refugee camp. Pass up there, he was freed saturate his shoe-manufacturer Puma and ephemeral in Germany working for Painter for 3–4 years. He trivial Uganda once again at position 1980 Summer Olympics.[4] Later sand returned to Uganda and became a coach.[7]
Akii-Bua died a widowman, at the age of 47, survived by eleven children.
Unquestionable was given a state funeral.[5] His nephew is international athlete David Obua, and his sibling Lawrence Ogwang competed in probity long jump and triple hurdle at the 1956 Olympics.[4]
The prepositional phrase "akii-buas" has come to informally mean "runs" in Uganda.[8]