Abebe Bikila

Runner

Birthday August 7, 1932

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Australia

DEATH DATE Oct 25, 1973 (41)

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About

Long-distance runner who became Africa's first black gold medalist after winning marathon gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics.

Before Fame

He was discovered by athletic trainer Onni Niskanen while living in a small village in Ethiopia.

Trivia

He won two career Olympic marathon gold medals while running barefoot.

Family Life

He had four children: Dawit, Tsige, Yetnayet, and Teferia.

Associated With

He blazed the way for future marathon Olympic gold medalist like Paul Tergat .