The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy

The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy

Release date : August 10, 2008
Runtime : 1h 30m
Countries of origin : United Kingdom /
Original Language : English /
Director : Daniel Gordon /
Writers : Daniel Gordon / David Conn /
Production companies :
August 10, 2008 1h 30m United Kingdom Documentary English More
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Overview

At the Munich Olympics of 1972, John Akii Bua, from the impoverished African country of Uganda, powered round the inside lane in the 400m hurdles, past the English favourite, and reigning Olympic Champion David Hemery, to win the gold medal, 10m clear of the field. John Akii Bua had become the first African to win gold in an event under 800 metres. He was also the first man to break the 48 seconds barrier in the 400 metre hurdles, an event so gruelling its nickname is 'The Mankiller'. This is the story about that amazing triumph - and what happened next. David Hemery retired to respectable fame and fortune, later becoming president of the UK's athletics federation. John Akii Bua returned to a Uganda carving the name of its military "President", Idi Amin, into genocidal notoriety. This is a film about the pinnacle of athletic achievement - and the search to discover what followed.
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  • title:The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy
  • status:Released
  • Release date: 2008
  • Runtime:1h 30m
  • Genres: Documentary ·
  • Countries of origin: United Kingdom ·
  • Original Language: English ·
  • Director: Daniel Gordon /
  • Writers: Daniel Gordon · David Conn ·
  • Production companies:
  • Overview:At the Munich Olympics of 1972, John Akii Bua, from the impoverished African country of Uganda, powered round the inside lane in the 400m hurdles, past the English favourite, and reigning Olympic Champion David Hemery, to win the gold medal, 10m clear of the field. John Akii Bua had become the first African to win gold in an event under 800 metres. He was also the first man to break the 48 seconds barrier in the 400 metre hurdles, an event so gruelling its nickname is 'The Mankiller'. This is the story about that amazing triumph - and what happened next. David Hemery retired to respectable fame and fortune, later becoming president of the UK's athletics federation. John Akii Bua returned to a Uganda carving the name of its military "President", Idi Amin, into genocidal notoriety. This is a film about the pinnacle of athletic achievement - and the search to discover what followed.
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