At the Summer Olympics in Rome, Abebe Bikila becomes the first sub-Saharan African to win a gold medal, winning the marathon in bare feet.

Abebe Bikila was an Ethiopian long-distance runner who is perhaps best known for his historic victory at the 1960 Rome Olympics when he won the marathon race while running barefoot. Abebe Bikila was born on August 7, 1932, in Jato, a village in the mountains of Ethiopia. He came from a humble background and initially served in the Imperial Bodyguard of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie.

1960 Rome Olympics: Abebe Bikila made history at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, Italy. He was selected to represent Ethiopia in the marathon, which is a 26.2-mile (42.195-kilometer) race.

Barefoot Running: Bikila made a bold decision to run the marathon without shoes. This decision was not premeditated but was due to circumstances. His official running shoes were causing him discomfort, so he decided to run barefoot, a style he had trained in previously.

Victorious Run: Bikila’s decision to run barefoot turned out to be a brilliant choice. He completed the marathon in 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 16.2 seconds, setting a new world record and becoming the first African to win a gold medal at the Olympics. His performance made him an instant global sensation.

Symbol of African Athleticism: Abebe Bikila’s victory and barefoot run symbolized the emergence of African athletes on the international stage. It shattered stereotypes and demonstrated that athletes from Africa, particularly Ethiopia, could excel in long-distance running.

Repeat Victory: Bikila’s success did not end in Rome. He went on to win another Olympic gold medal in the marathon at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first athlete to successfully defend his Olympic marathon title.

Legacy: Abebe Bikila’s legacy extends far beyond his athletic achievements. He inspired generations of Ethiopian and African athletes, paving the way for their success in long-distance running. His determination, strength, and iconic barefoot run continue to be celebrated in the world of sports.

Injury and Tragic Accident: Unfortunately, Bikila’s career was cut short by a car accident in 1969 that left him partially paralyzed. Despite this tragic event, he remained active in sports and various other pursuits.

Passing Away: Abebe Bikila passed away on October 25, 1973, at the age of 41. His legacy lives on as a symbol of Ethiopian and African athletic prowess.

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Abebe Bikila becomes the first sub-Saharan African to win a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics, winning the marathon running in barefeet.

The Large Hadron Collider is powered up in Geneva, Switzerland.

At the Rome 1960 Summer Olympics the Ethiopian, Abebe Bikila wins a gold medal, winning the marathon in bare feet.

Abebe Bikila’s victory at the Rome 1960 Summer Olympics is a historic and iconic moment in the world of sports. Abebe Bikila, an Ethiopian long-distance runner, made history by winning the gold medal in the men’s marathon event. However, it was not just his victory that made headlines but also the remarkable circumstances surrounding his win.

Barefoot Victory: Perhaps the most famous aspect of Bikila’s win was that he ran the entire marathon barefoot. This decision was not a result of any planned strategy but rather a last-minute choice. Bikila had originally trained with running shoes but found them uncomfortable during the race’s final preparations. Consequently, he chose to run barefoot, showcasing his extraordinary endurance and resilience.

Record-Breaking Performance: Abebe Bikila’s time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 16.2 seconds in the marathon set a new world record. His impressive performance not only won him the gold medal but also marked the first Olympic gold medal ever won by an African athlete in a long-distance event.

Symbol of African Excellence: Bikila’s victory in Rome was seen as a symbol of African athletic prowess and endurance. It represented the emergence of African nations as contenders on the international sports stage.

A Second Gold: Abebe Bikila would go on to compete in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he once again won the gold medal in the marathon. This time, he wore shoes but still managed to break the world record.

Legacy: Abebe Bikila’s legacy extends beyond his remarkable athletic achievements. He became a national hero in Ethiopia and an inspiration to many aspiring athletes, particularly in Africa. His success helped pave the way for future African long-distance runners to excel in international competitions.