KRISS Akabusi, the former Team Solent and Southampton athlete, has been appointed as the first ever patron of the British Masters Basketball Association.

The 53-year-old Akabusi is famous for his achievements in athletics, winning gold in the men's 4x400m relay team at the 1991 World Championships.

He also won silver in the same event at the 1984 Olympic Games, while he was part of the team that won gold at the 1990 European Championships, where he also took the 400m hurdles title.

But he has been a keen basketball player throughout his life too.

Akabusi said: "I first played basketball at school in 1970 and had an immediate affinity with the speed and dexterity of the sport.

"I was not the best shooter but always the most enthusiastic rebounder and defender. I continued this love affair the game as a young soldier until I turned twenty-one when my athletic career began to take priority over any other sport.

"After my athletic career, which saw me win honours and medals at Olympics, Worlds and European level, I returned briefly to basketball to play with the Worthing Bears.

"Once again I'm back playing with teams in my locality. Basketball is a friendly, family orientated sport that provides great competition and leisure for all."

BMBA chairman Bill McInnes said: "As an organisation that is responding to the desire of many who wish to continue playing basketball, in spite of not being as young as they used to be, the prospect of attracting someone with the infectious energy and love of sport that Kriss has is a great fit."