# Abebe Bikila

> Ethiopian double Olympic marathon champion

**Wikidata**: [Q52596](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q52596)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abebe_Bikila)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abebe-bikila

## Summary
Abebe Bikila was an Ethiopian long-distance runner and double Olympic marathon champion, widely recognized as one of the greatest marathon runners in history. He is best known for winning the Olympic marathons in 1960 and 1964, becoming the first person to win two Olympic marathons.

## Biography
- Born: August 7, 1932, in Bishoftu (formerly known as Debre Zeyit), Ethiopia
- Nationality: Ethiopian
- Education: No formal education data provided
- Known for: Winning back-to-back Olympic marathons in 1960 and 1964
- Employer(s): Ethiopian military; civilian government (post-1968)
- Field(s): Long-distance running, athletics, sports

## Contributions
Abebe Bikila's most significant contributions include:
- Winning the Olympic marathon in Rome 1960, setting a world record while running barefoot.
- Winning the Olympic marathon in Tokyo 1964, again setting a new world record.
- Becoming the first person to win two Olympic marathons.
- Inspiring a generation of Ethiopian long-distance runners and establishing Ethiopia as a global force in distance running.

## FAQs
### When and where was Abebe Bikila born?
Abebe Bikila was born on August 7, 1932, in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.

### What are Abebe Bikila's most famous achievements?
He won the Olympic marathon in 1960 and 1964, setting world records both times. He is the only person to have won the Olympic marathon twice.

### What is notable about his running style or equipment?
In 1960, Bikila ran the Olympic marathon barefoot due to a lack of proper footwear, yet still set a world record. In 1964, he wore shoes and again set a new world record.

### What happened to him after his athletic career?
After his athletic career, Bikila remained a national hero in Ethiopia and continued to be associated with the Ethiopian military and later civilian government roles. He passed away in 1973.

## Why They Matter
Abebe Bikila's legacy is foundational in the world of long-distance running. He was the first person to win two Olympic marathons, and his victories in 1960 and 1964 not only brought global recognition to Ethiopian athletics but also inspired generations of African runners. His barefoot run in 1960 became a symbol of resilience and national pride, especially in the context of post-colonial Africa. His influence extended beyond sport, shaping Ethiopia's identity in international athletics and inspiring future champions like Haile Gebrselassie and Kenenisa Bekele. Without Bikila, the narrative of African dominance in long-distance running may not have gained such early global attention.

## Notable For
- First person to win two Olympic marathons (1960, 1964)
- Setting world records in both Olympic marathons he won
- Running barefoot in the 1960 Rome Olympics and winning
- Being a symbol of Ethiopian pride and African excellence in athletics
- Influencing generations of African long-distance runners
- Being awarded the BBC World Sport Star of the Year for non-British competitors

## Body

### Early Life and Background
Abebe Bikila was born in the town of Bishoftu (then known as Debre Zeyit) in Ethiopia on August 7, 1932. He was a member of the Homo sapiens species and was a citizen of Ethiopia, a country in the Horn of Africa with a rich cultural and historical legacy. From an early age, he showed an aptitude for long-distance running, which led him to prominence in Ethiopian athletics.

### Athletic Career
Bikila's career in athletics began in earnest in the late 1950s, when he joined the Ethiopian military. His talent in long-distance running quickly became evident. He was a marathon runner, a long-distance runner, and an athletics competitor, participating in events that required endurance and skill.

### Olympic Achievements
In 1960, Bikila made history by winning the Olympic marathon in Rome, setting a new world record of 2:15:16.2. Notably, he ran the race barefoot due to a lack of proper footwear, a decision that became legendary. His barefoot run not only earned him global fame but also symbolized the rise of African athleticism on the world stage.

In 1964, at the Tokyo Olympics, Bikila defended his title, this time wearing shoes, and set another world record with a time of 2:12:11.2. This made him the first person to win two Olympic marathons, a feat that remains unmatched.

### Awards and Recognition
Abebe Bikila was awarded the BBC World Sport Star of the Year award, a prestigious honor recognizing non-British competitors. This award underscored his global impact and influence in the field of athletics.

### Legacy and Influence
Bikila's legacy is deeply embedded in Ethiopian and global sports culture. His achievements inspired a generation of African athletes and established Ethiopia as a dominant force in long-distance running. His story is a symbol of perseverance, national pride, and excellence, especially in the context of post-colonial Africa.

### Personal Life and Death
Abebe Bikila passed away on October 25, 1973. His contributions to sport and his country remain influential, and his name is commemorated in various ways, including the naming of the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, which stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.

### Notable Connections and Honors
- He was affiliated with the Ethiopian military and later with the civilian government.
- His work period in competitive athletics spanned from 1956 to 1968.
- He was a member of the human species and a proud Ethiopian citizen.
- He was recognized with identifiers across multiple databases including Wikidata, VIAF, and the BBC, and was honored with the BBC World Sport Star of the Year award.

Abebe Bikila's life and career continue to be a source of inspiration for athletes and nations alike, symbolizing the power of determination and excellence in sport.

## References

1. Olympedia
2. Dictionary of African Biography
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. IMDb
6. Find a Grave
7. Sports-Reference.com
8. Sapere Encyclopedia
9. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
10. Croatian Encyclopedia
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. The Movie Database