#DYK
In 1960, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila made history by winning Olympic gold in the marathon—without shoes! 👣
With no sponsorship and running shoes, Bikila chose to run barefoot through the streets of Rome. Not only did he win, but he also set a new world record of 2:15:16—becoming the first Black African Olympic champion.
Four years later, he defended his title at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, this time in shoes, breaking his own record with a time of 2:12:11—just six weeks after having appendix surgery!🏃
His incredible endurance and fearless spirit made him one of the greatest marathoners of all time.
In 1960, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila made history by winning Olympic gold in the marathon—without shoes! 👣
With no sponsorship and running shoes, Bikila chose to run barefoot through the streets of Rome. Not only did he win, but he also set a new world record of 2:15:16—becoming the first Black African Olympic champion.
Four years later, he defended his title at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, this time in shoes, breaking his own record with a time of 2:12:11—just six weeks after having appendix surgery!🏃
His incredible endurance and fearless spirit made him one of the greatest marathoners of all time.