OLYMPIC athlete Kriss Akabusi came face to face with senior North Yorkshire Police officers in an effort to pass on some of the secrets of his success.

The World Championship gold medalist spoke at a leadership forum at which officers met to plan the way a head for the force over the next 12 months.

The theme of the event at the Parsonage Country House Hotel, at Escrick, near York, was achieving success and Mr Akabusi, who now works as a motivational speaker, gave an hour long presentation.

Mr Akabusi began his international athletics career in 1983 as a member of the British 400m relay team and is probably remembered best for helping them beat the USA to gold at the 1991 World Championships.

He also won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the 1990 European Championships in 1990, beating David Hemery's 22-year-old British record. He also holds Olympic silver and bronze medals for team and individual events.

Mr Akabusi was a member of the Army from 1975 until 1990, where he served as a sergeant and senior warrant officer. He has been awarded the MBE.

Updated: 10:42 Friday, March 26, 2004