Births on April 9

Linda Kisabaka

Born on April 9, 1969

Linda Kisabaka, German runner

Linda Kisabaka, born on April 9, 1969, in Wuppertal, Germany, forged a notable career as a German middle-distance runner before her retirement in 2001. Her journey in athletics saw her transition from a formidable 400-metre specialist to an accomplished 800-metre competitor, leaving a significant mark on the sport, particularly through her Olympic achievement.

Early Career and Specialization Shift

Kisabaka initially made her name competing in the challenging 400 metres, a sprint event that demands a unique blend of explosive speed and sustained power. Athletes in this discipline must manage their energy output meticulously to maintain top speed around a full track lap. Her dedication to this event laid a strong foundation for her later successes.

A pivotal moment in her career occurred in 1996 when she made the strategic decision to specialize in the 800 metres. This move is not uncommon for athletes who find their natural abilities leaning more towards endurance over pure speed as their careers progress. The 800 metres, often dubbed the "long sprint," requires a different tactical approach, combining sustained speed with enhanced aerobic capacity and race strategy. This transition proved to be a highly successful one for Kisabaka, aligning perfectly with a year that would become the most celebrated of her professional life.

Club Affiliations and Retirement

Throughout her active career, Linda Kisabaka was associated with two prominent German sports clubs, each with a rich history in athletics. She first represented Bayer 04 Leverkusen, a multi-sport club renowned for its strong athletics department, which has nurtured numerous German and international talents. Later, she competed for LAZ Leipzig, another respected institution in the German athletics landscape. These clubs provide crucial support, training facilities, and competitive environments essential for an athlete's development and performance at an elite level. Her distinguished career concluded with her retirement from competitive running in 2001.

Career Highlights and Olympic Success

The year 1996 was undoubtedly the zenith of Linda Kisabaka’s athletic career. It was during this remarkable year that she showcased her peak performance on the international stage.

Personal Best Achievement

In August 1996, at the prestigious Weltklasse Zürich meet in Switzerland, an event widely regarded as one of the premier track and field competitions globally, Kisabaka set her personal best time in the 800 metres. Clocking an impressive 1:58.24 minutes, this performance firmly established her as one of the top middle-distance runners of her era. Achieving a sub-two-minute time in the 800 metres is a significant benchmark for any female athlete, signifying world-class ability.

Olympic Bronze Medal in Atlanta

Building on the momentum of her personal best, Kisabaka went on to achieve an even greater feat at the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. There, she proudly represented Germany as part of the formidable 4 × 400 metres relay team. Alongside her talented teammates Uta Rohländer, Anja Rücker, and Grit Breuer, she contributed to securing a highly coveted bronze medal. This Olympic podium finish was a testament to their collective speed, teamwork, and strategic execution over the four laps of the track. An Olympic medal represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement, cementing her place in German sports history.

FAQs About Linda Kisabaka

When and where was Linda Kisabaka born?: Linda Kisabaka was born on April 9, 1969, in Wuppertal, Germany.
What events did she compete in?: Initially, she competed in the 400 metres, before specializing in the 800 metres from 1996 onwards. She also excelled in the 4 × 400 metres relay.
What is her personal best time in the 800 metres?: Her personal best time in the 800 metres is 1:58.24 minutes, which she achieved in August 1996 in Zürich.
Did she win any Olympic medals?: Yes, Linda Kisabaka won a bronze medal in the 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Which clubs did she represent during her career?: During her active career, she represented the German sports clubs Bayer 04 Leverkusen and LAZ Leipzig.
When did Linda Kisabaka retire from athletics?: She retired from competitive athletics in 2001.

References

Linda Kisabaka

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Events on 1969

2 Mar

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17 Apr

Robert F. Kennedy
Sirhan Sirhan is convicted of assassinating Robert F. Kennedy.
16 Jul

Apollo 11
Apollo program: Apollo 11, the first mission to land astronauts on the Moon, is launched from the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Kennedy, Florida.
20 Jul

Apollo 11
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30 Jul

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