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
At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Kaburu was invited by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) to compete in the men's 50m freestyle[5] under a universality invitation for athletes from developing swimming nations. He finished with a time of 27.72 seconds, placing 82nd overall out of 97 competitors.[6]
Kaburu competed in the 2008 FINA World Championships (25m) and 2006 Commonwealth Games, taking part in the sprint freestyle and backstroke events while representing Uganda on the international stage.[7]
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.[8][9][10]
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).[11] He also expanded his teachings internationally, including at the Khartoum International Community School (KICS) and The American School of Kinshasa (TASOK).[11]
Personal life
Kaburu is married to Kezia Otoa. They have two children, a boy and a girl.[11]
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.
- ^ men's 50m freestyle
- ^ "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.