Date of Birth:
Saturday, December 3, 1949
Date passed on:
Friday, June 20, 1997
John Akii-Bua was a Ugandan hurdler and the first Olympic champion from his country in 1972 - 400m hurdles. As a police officer, Akii-Bua was promoted by Ugandan president Idi Amin, and given a house, as a reward for his athletic prowess. Akii-Bua died a widower, at the age of 47, survived by 11 of his children. He was given a state funeral.
His nephew is international footballer David Obua
Career:
Akii-Bua started his athletic career as a hurdler on the short distance. Coached by British-born athletics coach Malcolm Arnold, he was introduced to the 400 m hurdles.
After finishing 4th in the 1970 Commonwealth Games and running the fastest season time in 1971, he was not a big favourite for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, having limited competition experience.
Nevertheless he won the final there, running the inside lane, setting a world record time of 47.82 seconds. He missed the 1976 Olympics and a show down with American rival Edwin Moses due to a boycott by African nations including Uganda.
Awards & Credits:
Olympic Gold 1972 Munich 400 m hurdles
All-Africa Games:
Gold 1973 Lagos 400 m hurdles
All-Africa Games:
Silver 1978 Algiers 400 m hurdles
