obstacles Zambia-400-meters, Samuel Matete legend was born July 27, 1968 in Chingola in Zambia. Samuel Matete is mostly a fence in the world with 400 meters of all time. For young Matete was greatest sporting idol the legendary John Akii-Bua Ugandan hurdler. Matete still holds the record of 47.10 seconds when 400mh Africa, which he founded in the German city of Zurich, August 7, 1991. In this world class Zurich (Zurich World Class), an annual meeting of athleticSwitzerland, which is part of the IAAF Golden League, and is sometimes referred to as the Olympic Games, after a day, certainly his most memorable tracks Matete track. In his home country, initially trained conditions Matete rudimentary, hand-made including the construction of wooden fences. Only three others, who made the United States, officially not running faster personal best time of Samuel Matete. They are: Bryan Bronson in 47.03 seconds (set in New Orleans, Louisiana, June 21, 1998)Edwin Moses in 47.02 seconds (set in Koblenz, Germany, August 31, 1983), and Kevin Young in an incredible world record and only the official time under 47 seconds, 46.78 seconds (August 6, 1992 Games Barcelona Olympic in the Finals).

The driver, only a few African countries with the fastest-ups are Akii-Bua El Hadj Amadou Dia Ba of Senegal. Racing obstacles in 47.23 seconds to interim 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul in South Korea. In this case,29, Dia Ba is in the final in second place, with 29 years, American Andre Phillips (an Olympic record 47.19s bar) and aged for 33 years, world record holder Edwin Corley Moses to settle for the bronze with a time of 47.56 seconds. The performance in this Olympic final was amazing: Andre Phillips set a new Olympic record and Edwin Moses (in spite of the bronze) were running faster than it earlier had won two Olympic gold! Courtesy of Dia Ba, the latterThe evidence of the barriers between them Akii-Bua is' African. Apart Samuel Matete run, few African countries with the fastest time just Akii-Bua is George Llewellyn Herbert of South Africa with a time of 47.81s in a third place bronze medal in the final for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney was .

In 1964, John Akii-Bua one year of age 15 to start with a basic academic school. Over the next two years in constant help AkiiShepherd his great family herd of 120 cows. Akii had learned long ago, like milk and cattle used for plowing. Kenny Moore says Akii which means that in his youth, became a tough and athletic herdsboy be: "I milked [], I plowed with them all. Adopted in 1956, when I was young, sheep, goats and lions on our site, including livestock. But no one came when I took care of them. I had a good look at some very large pythons. And we have wild monkey. You can laugh and throwThings. Make you go "(Sports Illustrated:" A traffic light ", November 20, 1972).

Akii devotion to the rights of family labor was more clearly because the father - the head of the county of Bua, a leading manager of the county, died in 1965. Akii was then only 16, and estimated that at the time of the death of his father, was one of four brothers, forty (16 sisters and brothers, 27). Akii father had five wives, but divorced on the last three. The family, whichlived in the same room was semi-nomadic character of socio-demographics from county to county. Akii-Bua is shown as born December 3, 1949 (Imat SOLOME Bua's mother) in the village Abako sub-county in Moroto district in the county of Lango, Uganda. Among other sectors, the family inside and outside of it Dokolo, Oyama Kwan is resolved. The common list of birth-Akii Bua seems to be quite accurate, but some of their relatives implies was born before 1949. InUganda Daily Observer, the article "John Akii-Bua is an unsung hero," dated March 28, 2010, Denis H. Obua implies that Akii-Bua was born, three or four years before 1949. Suffice it to say. Not many decades ago, the birth dates of many African children were not recorded or remembered.

Akii shortly after the death of his father, one of the brothers took Akii as a cashier at the counter. He was employed until he joined the police in 1966. Akii led basic training of police1967 Prior to joining the police in Uganda, the only reminder of home athletic competition Akii: His father was the age of core competencies between siblings with different distances to the trophies of sweets (candy) was. Akii Kenny Moore says: "I do not think I ever won. I had my brothers trick" ("Sports Illustrated:" A number of lights, November 20, 1972).

Besides being introduced to active competition, which was inspired by athletes Ogwang Akii Uganda and opaque Etolu. LawrenceOgwang (November 1932) as the first big Ugandan athlete was found, was held in Uganda, the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne in Australia and twentieth place in the triple jump (14.72m) and eliminated in earlier rounds in the long jump after 27 with a jump of 6.62m. Lawrence Ogwang is a relative of Akii-Bua and often seems like his brother.

High Etolu Patrick Bridge, 17 March 1935 Born in Soroti characterizedthe second in 1954 Commonwealth Games British Empire, the fourth in the same event at the Games in 1958 and ninth the same event at the Games in 1962. In the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Patrick appeared Etolu 12 with a height of 1.96 meters jump. Matt Titus obstacle course was high.

Akii competitive start when it took the police. The window on their fitness level was initially formed by the drill of police, which started at 5:30 in regulation clockphysical training and running three miles around the country. Akii extends the flexibility was great, the cause of your choice on high barriers. Uganda Geronimo (Jerome Jorem?) Ochan, a senior police officer and 440 yard obstacles African record holder was always available Akii train. One of the buses involved placement of a bar controls Ochan directly to learn a few feet over the fence to form Akii to keep the head and body low. Akii recounts the agony of Kenny Moore"See this scar on his forehead? Ochan heard me .... I used to bleed a lot in our exercises, the reduction of barriers to the knees and ankles, keeping his head down" ("Sports Illustrated:" A game Light ", November 20, 1972).

meet the first week of November 1962 at a track in Colombo Ceylon (Sri Lanka) would be a set for the next Commonwealth Games British Empire now in Perth, Australia said, gain Ochan 440 meter hurdles in 52, 3 / 2 . "Ochanhave the same event in East and Central Africa championships held in the city of Kisumu, Kenya. Ochan was in Tokyo in 1964 for the Olympic Games. In the third of five first round that allowed the first three and the next fastest advance to the semifinals, was eliminated Ochan 29, when he finished fourth in 52.4 seconds, Oct. 14. In the end, got a 19th overall strategic Ochan

John Akii-Bua, shortly after the victory in fourChampionship Events police in 1967 was clearly recognized, and later became national under way for the new British coach Malcolm Arnold. Akii still holds the record for the decathlon Uganda 6933 values 1971 in Kampala. Since the mid-1970s, less attention and fewer resources were devoted to developments on the ground in Uganda. The presence of Uganda decathlon athletes disappeared.

Akii won in the 110m hurdles final in Central and Eastern EuropeAfrican Championships (originally an annual event, concerns, mainly track and field stars in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia), held in Kampala in 1969. With the influence of Malcolm Arnold, Akii-Bua was convinced that I received more awards than the 400 meter hurdles. seen at the end of 400mh Commonwealth Games (Edinburgh, Scotland, 16 to 25 July 1970) fought Akii-Bua with a back injury and hernia injuries, tingling in the last 100 meters, but stillquickly spread to the fourth in 51.14 seconds. John Sherwood (England) was the gold medal (50.03s), Bill Koskei Uganda (but soon to return to compete for his native country of Kenya), second (50.15s) and Charles Kipkemboi ego of Kenya third (50.19 s).

Akii-Bua was 1970 in the top 10 of all time. But the following year was the third man behind Ralph and Jean-Claude Nallet. In 1972 and 1973, conveniently places its performance leading global AkiiBefore Akii was less active and important in 1974, was rated No. 8. Akii but not reappeared. 2 In 1975 Alan Pascoe behind Britain and before Jim Bold (USA) and Ralph Mann

In 1972, the power of the Commonwealth Games silver medal Koskei William (who had previously worked for Uganda), from the Olympic Games in Monaco, Germany from August 26, 1972 to 11 September 1972 was to expect much . Although not among the top ten global ranking 400Obstacles in 1971 or 1972, hope nor as an Olympic medal Koskei. Koskei, with Akii-Bua of Uganda in Africa prevailed, such as fences. August 28, 1972 edition of Sports Illustrated edition of 28 August 1972 Expected, Ralph Mann, William Koskei and Akii Bua, count as the outlook for first-class medal.

Koskei in the Olympics, despite the use running in lane four, was eliminated in the first round. His fourth place in Heat 2 is not allowed in 50.58smove to the next round. Olympic Games in 1972, John Akii-Bua of Uganda would be in a world record of 47.82 seconds to win, becoming the first man ever officially run obstacles 400m in under 48 seconds. Ralph Mann won silver at several meters behind Akii, Hemery Racing in a very close third. Even after 40 years as Uganda appears to celebrate the triumph of the medal of merit-Akii Bua Olympic gold medal that has only won the country. President Idi Amin, Ugandan dictator1971-1979, will soon be rewarded by promoting him Akii police Deputy Inspector of Police (Police Lieutenant), who escaped a house (many of the dispossessed and expelled the Asians in Uganda), the description of an important long-Kampala ( Stanley Street name - the American explorer Henry Morton Stanley) "Akii-Bua Road was. Since then, many sports organizations have requested the name of Ben Akii.

It is fascinating the way to continue asAkii more wins and then for the sport.

Akii-Bua fascinated her international competition for its obstacles and unique methods of training. The article in the Los Angeles-Akii Bua has fencing method is the spokesman review (June 18, 1972, page 29): "John-Akii Bua barriers on intermediate and the task is for this reason the choice of many as the next gold medalists in the event of 400 meters. "Akii known to run on non-conventional limitedconventional method of planning for the replacement of 13-15 steps between each hurdle. For example, Ralph Mann, was the champion of America, a program established for the functioning of 13 steps between the first five hurdles, Change Speed 14 steps in the next two and then go to 15 steps for the next three obstacles. The "spokesperson" Review piece Akii-Bua is cited as saying:

"I want to run 14 steps between hurdles, but when I do, and then run to the fence in 13 steps, I say," good "and Ito go ... I have to run hard between the obstacles and move forward when it comes ... [In the coming Olympic games] will try to run 13 steps between hurdles, but I still go if they come to me. "

A few years later, the legendary American Edwin Moses, the largest intermediate hurdler, that the world is fascinated with his long strides, moving on foot every 13 steps between hurdles. Akii also be encouraged to work with disadvantagedambidextrous ability to jump easily with either the right or the left leg.

Previously the United States and Russia for the title of World-All-Star in July 1971 will meet at the University of California at Berkeley Edwards Stadium, Akii-Bua won obstacles intermediate an impressive 50.1 seconds, July 3 . Ralph Mann was not among the competitors. Jim Seymour (USA), which is currently at the University of Washington and an aspiring American athlete in Olympic Games 1972, 50.5 seconds in the second. In JulyIn 1971 in Durham, North Carolina, Akii-Bua in the 400m obstacles to the United States won "Africa faces are. Akii-Bua was that it was not a fluke, that is clear Koskei African rivals, along with the rest of share of African-Americans, and win in an impressive personal best of 49.05 seconds. America and rated the number one world champion Ralph seemed the man. He was competing in Europe.

In July 1972, closer to the Olympics, won the event Akii-Bua to the Compton InvitationalLos Angeles, have a good time of 49.6 seconds. After it was announced, Akii-Bua presented his surprise that the weather was too fast as it had done almost no barriers to training in the last three months. He did not run so fast that early in the season and are vulnerable to injuries and burnout. Note that before 1980, barriers to 400 feet, times under 50 seconds, very good or excellent. And this time Akiibest official time was 49 seconds. A few months before the Olympics, he felt Akii 169 pounds at 6'2 "frame was too easy and he wanted the strength and weight of 180 pounds to increase the time for the Olympic Games.

Sports fans in Uganda generally taken the view that, although it could Akii-Bua win an Olympic medal, insufficiently trained and was not committed and focused enough. Often found as carefree. Part of his time, especially in the housesatisfactory. It 'was also beaten in second place in European fencing, like the greek Cypriot and Stavros Tziortzis Soviet Union Yevgeny Gavrilenko, equivalent to a couple of occasions in Europe. Then there was the prevailing attitude that the fence was the universal scientific and technical event for African blacks, this is aggravated by poor training bodies of the Africans'.

Moreover, despite its impressive performance Akii-Bua, had the international recognition of an increasefairly quickly. Racing intermediate barriers at the end of 1969. His fourth in the 400m hurdles final at the Commonwealth Games in 1970, was followed by the creation of an African record, including victories in several international meets in the U.S. and Europe from 1971 and 1972 In a sense, Akii-Bua was still relatively unknown on the world of athletics. Although not by choice, not compete with some of the world's first intermediateFences, Ralph Mann and David Hemery. In short, it was not Akii important by many as a medal prospect at the Olympics in Germany, will be held in 1972 into account. Even if win, finally, would probably be a stroke of luck!

Contrary to the prevailing view in Akii-Bua to the Olympic Games was the revelation that in fact had Akii-Bua eyes Olympic gold medal, beating the world record in the 400m obstacles very seriously! His goal was to win big! ItIt turns out that the training program run Akii many cross-country and hill in the rain for a dry track included Uganda, was not always available. His training was demanding fences, where the strapping on a jacket weighted 25-35 lbs carry on his back and run the lists (greater than 42 cm in height than the traditional 36 inches) to 1,500 meters at least six times a week. This is named after the legendary Jesse Owens in Pittsburgh "Post-Gazette of September 4, 1972 article: "Winning is awesome Akii-Bua." Never has the world record 400mh David Hemery, was 48.1 seconds. Akii officially ran middle distance barriers by 49 / 2. However, weeks before the Olympic Games was very confident running the distance in 47 seconds if the weather would be ideal ("John Akii-Bua, an athlete who lose too good to be" Official Doug Gilbert in Montreal, May 18 1977).

It was lateWere conducted in August 1972 that the Olympic Games in 1972 400mh round heats (five sets). They have been in the top three athletes in each round (total 15 athletes), along with the athletes will be faster after the 16 semi-finalists. Feelings about the performance of Akii-Bua were mixed, some skeptics. Akii won heat four, but his winning time of 50.35 seconds was the slowest winning time in the series of five. Akii-Bua can easily be relaxed during the race, have the confidenceThat was until the semifinals. The winner of the series have been other Dieter Büttner (Germany) in 49.78 seconds in Serie A, Dave Hemery (UK) two series in 49.72 seconds, Christian Rudolph (East Germany) in three sets every 50 seconds and Yevgeny Gavrilenko ( Soviet Union) in the series of five in 49.73 seconds.

In the first of two semifinals, Akii-Bua, not only ran faster than him in the first round, but turned out to be the leading candidate for the gold medal.The media in Uganda and around the world were much less in 1970 when developing the present and the era of mobile Internet. Most Ugandans networks, radio and newspapers and television were slow in the dark about the progress Akii impressive. Significantly, Semi-Final A witness Akii-Bua win in 49.25 seconds (his second personal best performance compared to their African record 49.00 seconds), and decisively defeated the gold medal hopes RalphMann (49.53 seconds) and American champion and national record holder Dave Hemery (49.66 seconds), the Olympic champion and world record holder. It was the first time I had Akii this quality of competition was the opportunity to work with these great names, probably was his biggest nemesis in the Olympic Games have been performed. Semifinals Heat is a preview of what would be the end? Both the husband and Ralph Akii Bua was in this semi-final award of the unfavorableLanes one and two respectively, while Hemery was useful, lane 5 (same song, which was assigned to split into three series of heats - semi-finals and finals)!

And 'is significant that, while the heat was Akii in the first round of the slowest of the five had the fastest time Akii only in the semifinals, but was the only one who had won two qualifying. Fourth place in the semifinals of the Federal Republic of Germany was, Rainer Schubert (49.80 seconds).The first four in each heat would advance to the semifinals. Competitors in the semi-Heat Two of them were fast enough, but not as impressive as the first. Two winners in the first round, and Dieter Rudolph Christian Büttner, is not over. Winners move to the end it was Jim Seymour (U.S., 49.33 seconds), Gavrilenko (Soviet Union, 49.34 seconds), Yuri Zorin (Soviet Union, 49.60 seconds) and Tziortzis (Greece, 50.06 seconds).

The Olympic final half of the obstaclesSet a date for September 2, 1972, just days before what became known as the massacre of Monaco on the Israeli team of "Black September militants on September 5, 1972 for implementation. Akii-Bua, a 6 "2, 175 pounds, athletic, smooth dark-skinned youth wearing a bright red uniform of Uganda, the registration number, beam" 911, and in particular highlighted the competition between Europeans and their descendants. On the other hand, deliberately or fortunately cut design, has been in three shifts Akiiassigned to internal or dual carriageway link --- acute and severe. For the final (after two lanes, both of which have been assigned in the preliminary round and semifinal) Akii assigned to one lane each way! Perhaps his previous work on the streets of Akii was short-term experience and practice to learn how to navigate to win a gold medal, although it was put in a bad road. Today is customary to allow the winners in the draftlaps to decide how in future rounds will be awarded. Of course, for the winners of each round to choose the middle lane, while the runners-up races and slow eventually choose between "harm" in the outer and inner lanes!

The prelude to the final 400mh is one of the most picturesque part of Olympic history as the runners-quarter of U.S. distance in the same Olympics Kenny Moore (in Sports Illustrated: "A number of lights", November 20, 1972)Finalists reminds us: "... Akii-Bua was fantastic. ... Like other barriers ... ... staring at the dry red blood cells of Monaco of Bavaria, the adjustment of their major blocks and heads the further examination, waving dances Akii in its track, and smiling with friends in the crowd. "

However, Akii-Bua was completely confused. It was the night before the final, "winning insomniac tormented by visions Hemery ..." (David Corn in "Notes on a Scandal John Akii-Bua and his journey from Monaco GoldTragedy in The Guardian 6 August 2008).

It came a day! The final saw Hemery, jump of a perfectionist and when obstacles to the initiative at a faster pace in taking the first 200 meters was the case when he won gold in world record time in the last Olympic Games Mexico City. Most cameras were focused on Hemery. However, it was able to consistently meet and exceed the long-legged competition Akii see clearly before him. E 'became clearAkii was the scene shortly after the last cycle and Hemery has slowed down. Hemery was impotent due to his left and Akii, three lanes to eat. Akii still felt strong and the finish was close, and trusts that the gold Akii that would be! Even after hitting the last hurdle, Akii closed the line in time like a new world record of 47.82 seconds as amazing!

Only American Angelo Taylor, 24 years after the Olympic Games1996 run in Atlanta (Georgia) would be an obstacle 400 meters to win gold in the inside lane. While Taylor won in 47.50 seconds to travel in a world Akii maybe win the gold medal with 47.82s in the inside lane, his last race of the image takes several minutes before the final winner to go between it and the 'Saudi Arabia Al-Hadj Soua'an Somaily (47.53s) in lane 4 was decided. This was done by 27 September 2000.

"Akii-Bua fascinated fans show boating after his win. Sprangmore imaginary obstacles, which came in dance, and she smiled and greeted the fans "(William Grimsley" in the pole vault, the U.S. Olympic Rowing Kick big hands "Victory Tuscaloosa News, September 3, 1972). Akii-Bua, much less support for the Games of Monaco of Bavaria could not have happened. many African nations have threatened mass was disqualified for the Games in protest against the admission of white ruled Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). 's Rhodesia.

The end result is even moredramatically illustrated by Kenny Moore ("Sports Illustrated:" A traffic light ", November 20, 1972):

"... After the race in world record time ... even with the aim of slowing down, while their victims had collapsed and dry .... The organizing committee has not hoisted a victory lap, but the amount standing , and heard someone call .... Akii jump over a barrier on the backstretch and then floats, clearing all obstacles to the new Impala, a red and blackSkips merrily over imaginary fences, where he was the real, creating one of the few moments of joy at the Olympic Games. And after closing games, hints of violence and pain and disgust, it seems that most Akii-Bua symbolizes what might have been. It seemed worth a visit. "

Sam Wollaston on another article in The Guardian (August 11 written in 2008), "TV this weekend that Akii" ... the night before his Olympic victory ... drank a whole bottleChampagne provided by [British] manager [Malcolm Arnold]. To help you sleep. "

Malcolm Arnold, the school teachers and coaches left lane at Bristol part time for Uganda in 1968, was the coach of track and field in Uganda would be for five years. After the success Akii, Arnold became the national coach in the United Kingdom and the achievements of athletes like Colin Jackson credited fences. Partly because of deprivation and substance Akii poor training facilities,Arnold is now in his 70s as his apprentice Akii still see everything. Shortly before the race, Arnold Akii advised to focus on race and go for gold, instead of worrying about the pace of the other competitors and the pace of the first 200 meters.

Kenny Moore (in Sports Illustrated: "A number of lights", November 20, 1972), an exchange while driving slowly in the Ugandan capital Kampala Akii, describes with clarity:

"... He gave the impression of greaterVolume seen in the company. His features are fine, almost delicate, and her skin was very soft. His eyes are small, so that her face to be dominated by white teeth and perfect. "

400mh The search is considered the most important event, length: it is a combination of expertise, time, energy and stamina. Since during this and previous eras fences African natives are not required to do so incredibly well, many more (was not), that crossed Akii-Buafirst African Olympic gold medal.