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Abebe Bikila was an Ethiopian long-distance runner, born on August 7, 1932. He gained worldwide fame by becoming the first African to win a gold medal at the Olympics, winning the marathon event in 1960 with a record-breaking performance in Rome. He repeated his victory at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, setting another world record. Known for running barefoot, Bikila symbolized the spirit of determination and resilience. Tragically, his running career was cut short by a car accident in 1969, leaving him paralyzed. Despite this, he remained an inspiration and a national hero until his passing in 1973.