Fredericks is Namibia’s first and so far only Olympic medalist, having won 100m and 200m silver in back to back Games in 1992 and 1996.

He also won gold medals at the World Championships, World Indoor Championships, All-Africa Games and Commonwealth Games, and is also the world indoor 200m, a time of 19.92 seconds set in 1996. record-holder.

Fredericks was able to compete internationally after Namibia gained independence from South Africa in 1990.

He took silver at the World Championships in 1991 behind Michael Johnson and took 100m and 200m silver at the Olympics a year later in Barcelona.

He repeated the feat four years later, beaten by Donovan Bailey in the 100m and Johnson in the 200m – only because both men set new world records.

Fredericks is currently serving as a council member on the IAAF.

1968: Jana Novotna, Czech former tennis ace who won a total of four Grand Slams during her career (48).

1982: Tyson Chandler, NBA player for the Phoenix Suns. Won the NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 (36).

1987: Phil Kessel, US ice hockey player who won the Stanley Cup last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins (29).

1991: Roberto Firmino, Brazilian footballer who has won 11 caps. Plays for Premier League side Liverpool (25)