Karim Olowu facts for kids
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Nickname(s) | KAB, Capee | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ethnicity | Yoruba | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 7 June 1924 Lagos, Nigeria |
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| Died | 14 August 2019 (aged 95) Lagos, Nigeria |
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| Residence | Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | Loughborough College | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Track and field | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | 100 meters, 4x100 meters, 4×110 yards, Long jump | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University team | Loughborough University Athletics Club | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Olympic finals | Helsinki 1952, Melbourne 1956 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commonwealth finals | Auckland 1950, Canada 1954 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Alhaji Karim Ayinla Babalola Olowu (born June 7, 1924 – died August 14, 2019) was a famous Nigerian athlete. He was a fast runner (sprinter) and a long jumper. He made history by being part of Nigeria's very first teams to compete in the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games.
Olowu competed in the Olympics in 1952 and 1956. Before that, he took part in the 1950 British Empire Games (which are now called the Commonwealth Games). In 1954, at the Commonwealth Games in Canada, he won two silver medals. He earned one in the long jump and another in the 4x110 yards relay race. This made him the first Nigerian athlete to win two medals at the Commonwealth Games! He also became the first Nigerian to carry the Olympic torch at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He was one of the oldest living Olympians from Africa.
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Growing Up in Lagos
Karim Olowu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 7, 1924. His parents were B. M. S. Olowu and R. A. Olowu. His family was wealthy and part of the Yoruba community. He was the first grandson of famous figures, Madam Tinubu and Saka Tinubu.
He started his sports journey at Saint Paul's Primary School in Lagos in 1936. He represented his school in athletics events. Later, he went to CMS Grammar School, Lagos, where he was the sports prefect. This meant he was in charge of sports activities at the school.
After school, he worked for the government. In 1952, he won a special scholarship from the government. This allowed him to study Physical Education at Loughborough College in England. He finished his studies with high honors in 1955.
Amazing Athletic Achievements
Karim Olowu was one of the first Nigerian athletes to ever compete in the Olympic Games. He proudly represented Nigeria twice, in 1952 and 1956. He competed in the long jump and also in relay races.
He also took part in the Commonwealth Games three times: in 1950, 1954, and 1958. At the 1954 games, he won two silver medals. These were for the long jump and the sprint relay race.
Working as a Sports Official
After his time as an athlete, Olowu continued to serve sports in many ways. He was an important member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for many years.
- In 1966, he was an official at the Commonwealth Games in Jamaica.
- He was the manager for the Nigerian team at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Canada. However, many African countries, including Nigeria, decided not to compete. This was because of the presence of apartheid South Africa at the games.
- He also served as the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Council.
- He was the chief starter at the 1973 All-Africa Games held in Lagos.
- He even served as a captain and coach for national teams at different times.
Life After Competing
After retiring from his athletic career, Karim Olowu worked in the Nigerian Prison system. But his passion for sports never left him. He helped create a sports complex at the Nigerian Prison in Kirikiri, Lagos. There, he started the Prisons Athletics club, which helped many athletes develop their skills for Nigeria.
Olowu was married to Aminat Olowu until she passed away. He was also the head of the Tinubu Family and the Chairman of the Olowu descendants Union. He had many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Karim Olowu passed away on August 14, 2019, and was buried the next day following Muslim traditions.
Awards and Recognition
Karim Olowu received many awards for his contributions to sports and Nigeria:
- The Nigerian Olympic Committee Inc Award (1995)
- Ten years merit award from the Athletic Federation of Nigeria AFN (1996)
- National Sports Award (1987)
- OGS Merit Awards for his service to CMS Grammar School and Nigeria (2003)
- Special awards for his service to sports development in Nigeria by Football College (2001)
- He was given the title of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) in 2006.
