Nigerian Olympic legend, Alhaji Karim Ayinla Babalola (KAB) Olowu passed on August 14, 2019.
KAB was popular for being part of Nigeria’s first delegation to the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland, New Zealand (now known as the Commonwealth Games), and the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. Mosunmola Oridota, one of Pa Olowu’s daughters to KAB Olowu, released a public statement on behalf of the family, confirming his death on the eve of Wednesday, August 14, 2019:
With total submission to the will of the Almighty God, I wish to announce the transition to glory of my father, Alhaji Karim Ayinla Babalola Olowu, OON.
Mosunmola Oridota
During his active years, Pa Olowu, who doubled as a sprinter and long jumper, won two silver medals in long jump and 4×110 yards at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games which was held in Canada. KAB emerged as the first Nigerian athlete to win two medals at the British Games. He would go on to make history again during the 1966 Commonwealth Games, hosted in Kingston, Jamaica, becoming the first Nigerian to officiate at the Games. In 1992, Late Olowu became the first Nigerian Olympic torch bearer during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Prior his death, KAB was a prominent member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for several years. He worked for at the Nigerian Prison in Kirikiri, Lagos state, setting up the prison’s sporting complex. Part of his achievements include establishing the then Prisons Athletics Club which produced many athletes for Nigeria.
Source:
Complete Sports
Featured Images source: Complete Sports
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