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Austria mourns the death of Biko Botowamungu: the last Olympic boxer died
Biko Botowamungu, the last Austrian Olympic boxer, died at the age of 68. He fought in Seoul in 1988 and later preached in Vienna.
Austria mourns the death of Biko Botowamungu: the last Olympic boxer died
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the death of Biko Botowamungu, who passed away at the age of 68 from kidney failure. His death was announced on Sunday and marks the end of an era for Austrian boxing. The Congolese native was the last Austrian to be allowed to compete in the boxing ring at the 1988 Olympic Games. His remarkable life journey and his tireless commitment to sport made him an inspiring personality.
Biko Botowamungu was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1955 and came to Vienna in 1978. He had previously gained his first experience in competitive sports as a wrestler in the USA. When he arrived in Vienna, he initially worked as a security guard at the United Nations. During his sporting career he achieved great fame, not least under the name “Dr. Biko” in Heumarkt wrestling.
Sporting successes
Botowamungu was an outstanding athlete. He began his career in wrestling, but also qualified for the 1976 Montreal and 1988 Seoul Olympics, taking up the latter opportunity as a boxer. In his prime, he competed against many well-known names, including the legendary Mike Tyson, for whom he worked as a sparring partner. In 1983 he became Austrian heavyweight champion and was super heavyweight champion for many years. But his Olympic dream ended abruptly when he was eliminated in the first round by American boxer Riddick Bowe.
A special episode in Botowamungu's life was his participation in the TV show "Dancing Stars" in 2013, where he demonstrated his dancing talent and wowed viewers with his charm. This combination of sporting passion and acting ability made him famous not only in the boxing ring, but also among the general public.
A life for faith
From 2000, Botowamungu turned full-time to faith and became a preacher in a Vienna Baptist church. There he found a new purpose and an environment that gave him support. The diagnosis of progressive dementia in 2022 posed another challenge, which he tackled with his strong character.
The sport of boxing itself has a long tradition that dates back to ancient times, when fistfights first began in 688 BC. were introduced into the Olympic Games. These brutal competitions have evolved over time into the modern boxing sport we know today. Botowamungu was part of this tradition and contributed to the development of the sport in Austria, which today inspires numerous fans.
His life and achievements will live on not only in the sport of boxing, but also in the community of those who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Biko Botowamungu’s legacy will remain in the hearts of many athletes and sports enthusiasts.