Abebe Bikila: The Boundary Breaking Barefoot Runner

Imagine running a marathon, but barefoot. Imagine winning an Olympic marathon in the very same country you were at war with a few years earlier.

Ethiopian marathon runner, Abebe Bikila after the 1963 Boston Marathon. Source: Getty

This is only the tip of the iceberg of what marathon runner Abebe Bikila achieved in his career. 

Bikila is an icon to millions in Africa and in his home country of Ethiopia, a real trailblazer. The first Ethiopian Olympic gold medalist and a back-to-back Olympic marathon champion. Despite this, he is probably unknown to most of us. His legend needs to be told.

"There are countries where only your dream can make you a reality."

Hear the story of Abebe Bikila in episode one of Who's Your Don Bradman with Christophe Mallet and Dario Castaldo.

LISTEN TO

Abebe Bikila: The Boundary Breaking Barefoot Runner

SBS Audio

22/02/202224:57

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New episodes of the podcast will be released monthly, telling the stories of more inspiring sporting heroes idolised around the world but perhaps unknown here in Australia. Follow in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or the SBS Radio App to get upcoming episodes.