1958-

African-British athlete and television presenter

Akabusi was born an Igbo prince in Nigeria, but taken to England as a child, where he went into care when his mother returned to Nigeria. He spent time in a children's home and also had multiple foster placements. An interview in the Telegraph Magazine writes: "'It didn't seem so bad at the time,' says the gold medalist ... 'I never looked at other kids who were better off and thought, "It's all right for you". What I did hate was being pitied.'"

He was also an Olympic bronze medalist runner in 1988 and a member of the 1984 UK silver medal team in the 4 X 400 relay. Since retiring from competition he has been a sports commentator and TV presenter and panelist (Record Breakers, A Question of Sport).

References

Weir, S. Kriss (London: Marshall Pickering, 1996)
"Kindred Spirits," Telegraph Magazine [London], 10 April 1993, p. 10
Akabusi Kriss. "I Knew That I Had a Decision to Make." [Includes portrait]. Available at: http://homepages.enterprise.net/bcfgoodnews/pages/sport.htm#Akabusi

Indexes

African
Nigeria
Uk/great Britain
20th Century
21st Century
Sports
Theater, Broadcasting, Cinema
Formal, American/European-Type Fostering
Parent(s) Left Home, Leaving Child Behind
Others ("Strangers")
Customary or Traditional Adoption, Informal and Extra-Legal Care
Institutional Care
Other or Unknown Reasons for Serial Placement
Adoptees/Fosterees from Wealthy, Famous, Noble or Divine Birth Families
Birth Siblings Placed Together