Gilbert Kaburu
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gilbert Kaburu |
| National team |  Uganda |
| Born | 8 November 1981 Kampala, Uganda |
| Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lb) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Swimming |
| Strokes | Freestyle |
Gilbert Kaburu (born November 8, 1981) is a Ugandan former swimmer, Olympian and educator known for his contributions to sport and education both in Uganda and internationally. He specialized in sprint freestyle events.[1] He represented Uganda at the 2008 Summer Olympics, placing among the top 85 swimmers in the 50 m men's freestyle event.[1]
Education and swimming career
Kaburu holds a PhD in Education from Ohio University in the United States. He also studied at the College of New Jersey's Graduate Global Programs in Johannesburg, South Africa, while working towards a teaching certification and a master’s degree in education.[2][3] He was invited by FINA to compete as a 26-year-old swimmer for the Ugandan team in the men's 50 m freestyle at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.[4]
International competitions
2008 Summer Olympics kaburu was invited by the International Swimming Federation(FINA) to compete in the men's 50m freestyle under a universality invitation designed to allow atheletes from developing swimming nations to participate. He finished with time of 27.72 seconds placing 82nd overall out of 97 competitors.[5]
At the World Championship and Commonwealth Games, Kaburu competed in events like 2008 FINA World Championships (25m) and at the 2006 Commonwealth Games taking part in the sprint freestyle and backstroke events while representing Uganda on the international stage.[6]
Retirement
Shortly after the Olympics, Kaburu announced his retirement from his swimming career in order to continue his education at TCNJ's Graduate Global Programs in Johannesburg.[7][8][9]
After retirement
After retirement, Kaburu started teaching and coaching. He worked as a swim coach and physical education teacher at the International School of Uganda (ISU).[10] He also expanded his teachings internationally, including at the Khartoum International Community School (KICS) and The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK).[10]
Personal life
Gilbert is married to Kezia Otoa. The have two children, a boy and a girl.[10]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Gilbert Kaburu". 3 December 2012. Archived from the original on 16 December 2012. Retrieved 2012-12-05.
- ^ "Kaburu pushes swimmers to find balance in life, pool". Monitor. 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2025-12-15.
- ^ Gola, Mark. "TCNJ Student Swims in Summer Olympics". www.tcnjmagazine.com. Retrieved 2025-12-15.
- ^ IOC (2018-04-23). "Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics - Athletes, Medals & Results". Olympics.com. Archived from the original on 2025-09-11. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ^ "Swimming: Men's 50m Freestyle – Heat 4". Beijing 2008. NBC Olympics. Archived from the original on 21 August 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
- ^ "2006 Commonwealth Games | MCG". Melbourne Cricket Ground. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ^ Gola, Mark (10 November 2008). "TCNJ Student Swims in Summer Olympics". TCNJ Magazine. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
- ^ "Ugandan swimmer Kaburu to retire after Beijing Olympics". Xinhua. 29 July 2008. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved 5 December 2012.
- ^ "Kaburu pushes swimmers to find balance in life, pool". Monitor. 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
- ^ a b c "Gilbert and Kezia Kaburu: A Life of Passion, Purpose, and Global Education". www.searchassociates.com. Retrieved 2025-12-18.