Unable to take part in the 1976 games in Montreal because of the African countries' boycott, John Akii-Bua was never able to defend his 400 m hurdle title, which he had won four years earlier at the Munich games. The title went to Edwin Moses. Akii-Bua, long-time holder of the world record, would confuse his opponents with his technique. Indeed, he could jump a hurdle taking off on either his right or left leg.