It is a wholesome 40 years since legendary athlete; John Akii Bua scooped the 400m hurdles gold medal after clocking 47.82 at the 1972 Munich Olympics. The feat where he surpassed American Ralph Mann and Great Britain’s Dave Hemery and remains the national record and Uganda will celebrate the life of world athletics hero during his annual Memorial Track and Field Meeting this Saturday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
According to Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) Vice President Technical, Okot Omony, the body plans to extend Akii Bua’s legacy to Africa and beyond by organising an international event in his honour. This tournament’s 14th edition will have close to 15 track and field events with the hurdles event being the pinnacle.
UAF will also use the competition as qualifier for this year’s 2012 London Olympic Games, Africa Senior Championships and the Barcelona World Junior Championships.