Abebe Bikila amazed the world in the 1960 Olympics, in Rome, when just in his second marathon he not only won, but also broke the world record with the time if 2:15:16. And he ran shoeless!

This Ethiopian victory was a mark in the long distance running, since he was the first of a succession of black Africans ling distance runners champions. Besides, he still brought the performances to a new scale, since the previous Olympic marathon was won with a time 10 minutes slower.

Bikila came from a simple family of farmers in the south of Ethiopia and was member of the Imperial Guard before succeed in military competitions. When he came back home, after his achievement in Rome, the Emperor offered him a car, an apartment and pension for the rest of his life. However, there was a rebellion in the Emperor's Palace and all the Guard was killed. Abebe Bikila escaped from death due to the Emperor intervention.   

In Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games, this time wearing shoes, Bikila once again won the marathon. This time he also broke the world record with the mark of 2:12:11. He also tied the third Olympic gold medal in the marathon in Mexico-1968, but he had to abandon the race due to a foot injure. 

Tragically Abebe Bikila became paralytic due to a car accident in 1969. In the same year, he took part in the  Stoke Mandeville Games, predecessor of the Paraolympic Games. Bikila passed way in 1973.

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