OLYMPIC athlete Kriss Akabusi MBE is coming to the Isle of Man next month as part of the preparations by Barclays Wealth for the Commonwealth Youth Games.

One of the most successful British track athletes of all time is coming to the Island on July 12 and will visit primary schools and will visit the Barclays Victoria Street branch to promote the bank’s involvement in the Games in September.

Earlier today Barclays announced that it had recruited 150 staff volunteers to assist during the five days of the Games. The bank is also an official partner sponsor.

Kriss Akabusi has become one of the most famous sporting faces on television in recent years, famous for his wit and humour.

During his extensive career he won medals at the highest level but his most memorable achievement was running the final leg in the famous British 4 x 400 relay team at the world athletics championships in Tokyo.

In a dramatic race, Akabusi came from 3 metres down to defeat the reigning world 400m champion and to defeat the American favourites with a stunning run, clinching the win in the last 50 metres.

Amongst many honours, Akabusi won the gold medal in the 400 metres hurdles at the 1990 European championships, gold in the 4 x 400 metres relay at the 1991 world championships, silver in the 4 x 400 m relay at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, and bronze in the 1991 400m hurdles world championships.

Since retiring from athletics, he has worked as a television presenter and motivational speaker and has formed his own business - The Akabusi Company - travelling around the country speaking at conferences and seminars.

He also has his own charitable trust, raising funds across the UK.

•  More details on Kriss Akabusi’s visit to the Isle of Man will be released in the coming days.