The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy
The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy
2008, English. Directed by Daniel Gordon.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 30m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy
The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 10 August 2008.
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Details
- Released
- 10 August 2008
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Written by
- David Conn, Daniel Gordon
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News & fan talk
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The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy: quick answers
Is The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy worth watching?
The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy?
The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy runs 90 minutes (1h 30m).
Does The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy yet.
Which OTT platform is The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy on?
The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy isn’t streaming on any OTT platform in India yet; it released on 10 August 2008. (Checked 14 November 2026.)
What movies are like The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy?
If you liked The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy, try One Day in September, Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff, God Grew Tired of Us.
Who directed The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy?
The John Akii Bua Story: An African Tragedy (2008) was directed by Daniel Gordon and stars Chiwetel Ejiofor.