Remembering Bikila's 1960 Olympic marathon victory on its 60th anniversary

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AbebeBikilaRomeWinner.jpg

Remembering Bikila's 1960 Olympic marathon victory on its 60th anniversary
By Ethiosports

It remains, arguably, one of the most significant landmark moments in our sport.

When Abebe Bikila – running barefoot – became the first black African to win an Olympic marathon gold medal on the streets of Rome it was without doubt one of the most iconic moments of the 1960 Games.

Yet beyond the isolation of this magical moment in athletics history, Bikila’s legacy can be felt on the tracks, cross country trails and roads across the planet thanks to the East African endurance running explosion.

From Keino to Bayi, from Rono to Ngugi, Tulu to Dibaba, Tergat to Gebrselassie and Bekele to Kipchoge, the East African legends have lit up the sport for the past six decades.

Yet all owe a debt of gratitude to Bikila, the first global East African champion who made everything that followed a possibility.

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Remembering Bikila's 1960 Olympic marathon victory on its 60th anniversary
EthioSports
When Abebe Bikila – running barefoot – became the first black African to win ... physical exercise and Bikila quickly discovered a natural ability to run.


Another one:
That time when an Olympic marathoner won a gold medal running barefoot. Yes, barefoot.
KSAT San Antonio
The day of the race, Bikila decided to ditch any pair of shoes altogether and run the whole marathon barefoot. Imagine the amazement of those in the ...



Spotlight: Ethiopian Sports Journalist Fekrou Kidane Reflects on 60th Anniversary of Abebe Bikila's ...
Tadias Magazine
“To make things even more interesting Abebe was running barefoot, further astounding the audience,” Fekrou shares in a recent letter he wrote to ...
 
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