Abebe Bikila was an Ethiopian long-distance runner born on August 7, 1932. He gained international fame by winning the gold medal in the marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympics, becoming the first African to win an Olympic gold medal. Bikila famously ran the race barefoot, showcasing his incredible talent and determination. Bikila repeated his success at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he won another gold medal, this time wearing shoes. His achievements helped popularize long-distance running in Ethiopia and inspired future generations of athletes. Abebe Bikila passed away on October 25, 1973, but remains a legendary figure in sports history.