I wanted the world to know that my country, Ethiopia, has always won with determination and heroism.

I wanted the world to know that my country Ethiopia has always won with determination and heroism.

Born in Jato, Ethiopia in 1932, Abebe Bikila ran the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon barefoot and won - then defended his title wearing shoes at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He heralded the era of African distance running dominance. From Imperial Guard to Olympic champion to paraplegic after a car accident, his

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Born in Jato, Ethiopia in 1932, Abebe Bikila ran the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon barefoot and won - then defended his title wearing shoes at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He heralded the era of African distance running dominance. From Imperial Guard to Olympic champion to paraplegic after a car accident, his

Born in Jato, Ethiopia in 1932, Abebe Bikila ran the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon barefoot and won - then defended his title wearing shoes at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He heralded the era of African distance running dominance. From Imperial Guard to Olympic champion to paraplegic after a car accident, his was a life of extraordinary fate.

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Born in Jato, Ethiopia in 1932, Abebe Bikila ran the 1960 Rome Olympic marathon barefoot and won - then defended his title wearing shoes at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. He heralded the era of African distance running dominance. From Imperial Guard to Olympic champion to paraplegic after a car accident, his's Other Quotes

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