Kriss Akabusi is one of Britain's best-known athletes and leading
motivational conference speakers. His first career was in the Army, joining the Royal Signals as trainee data telegraphist in 1975.
He transferred to the Army Physical Training Corps in 1981 and after three tours of duty with various infantry battalions he was discharged into the reserves with an exemplary record in 1990 as a Warrant Officer Class 2.
He was then able to dedicate himself fully to his career as an international athlete. He began his international career in 1983 as a member of the 4x400 metre relay squad, and the following year he won a silver medal in the Olympic Games. He followed that up in 1990 with a gold medal in the 400 metres hurdles at the Commonwealth games and a gold medal in the European Championships 4x400 metres relay.
His greatest individual triumph was his gold medal in the 400 metres hurdles at the same event when he also beat David Hemery's 22 year old British record. He will probably be best remembered for helping Britain clinch the gold medal and beat the Americans in the World Championships 4x400 metres relay in Tokyo in 1991.
His dynamic and effervescent personality has made him a household name as a
motivational speaker.. He inspires audiences with his own story of triumph over adversity. Drawing on his own successful military and athletics career, he speaks on vision, change, teamwork and individual performance.
"Thank you for helping to make our convention the success it undoubtedly was. Your audience was captivated by your enormous energy and infectious enthusiasm. Thanks for the inspiration"
IBM UK "Dealer reaction was fantastic and your own participation achieved far more than we would ever have anticipated"
Honda (UK) "We would like to record our thanks to you for your excellent motivational sessions... you were very enthusiastically received and the feedback we received was excellent"
Rank Xerox "Summing up nicely, one delegate said 'Kriss's infectious personality left everybody buzzing'...I would personally like to thank you for your contribution which was extremely well received by delegates and organisers alike"
The Boots Company