Legendary British Olympian and athlete, Kriss Akabusi is a sporting personality like no other. Part of the gold medal-winning men's 4x400m relay team at the World Championships in 1991, Kriss is renowned around the world for his ability to motivate teams, as well as his incredible efforts in athletics. Kriss was one of the top sprinters and hurdling athlete in track and field in the 1980s and 1990s. He would go on to set British records and win a host of medals, individually and as a team at European and World Championships, the Commonwealth Games and The Olympic Games.
After beginning his career as a 400m sprinter, Kriss announced his arrival in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, as part of the 4x400m men's relay team. He quickly proved himself an important member of the side as the team won silver at the Games running a dominant US team close to the line.
Arguably, the 1991 World Championships was Kriss' most memorable moment in athletics, as the 4x400m relay team shocked the world at the World Championships to take gold ahead of the US team who were number one in the world. The race was an incredible spectacle that proved desire and determination could prevail.
Over the years, Kriss would anchor the team to significant success at all levels, helping them to two European Championship golds, and an Olympic bronze in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, as well as that historic gold in the World Championships. He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1991 for his services to athletics.
He would also enjoy individual success in the men's 400m hurdles, breaking David Hemery's British record with a time of 47.93 seconds in the European Championships to win gold. He later won the Commonwealth Games in the 400m hurdles in Auckland, as well as a bronze medal in the competition at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona where he lowered his own British record to complement his win with the 4x400m relay team.
Following an impressive sporting career he became a prominent fixture of the public eye, presenting shows including Record Breakers and The Big Breakfast, as well as becoming a regular panellist on A Question of Sport and Through the Keyhole. Kriss has always been held in high regard in the UK, and has appeared in commercials for Nature Valley cereal bars and Ladbrokes in recent times, as well as made cameo appearances on Eastenders and Last of the Summer Wine. One of Britain's favourite Olympians, Kriss Akabusi is an iconic athlete who is widely cherished. As a motivational speaker he is the ideal face and storyteller for inspiring audiences to success.
