Barefoot Runner: The Life of Marathon Champion Abebe Bikila

by Paul Rambali

“It’s an astonishing sight, I must the Ethiopian, Abebe Bikila, is racing barefoot.”—BBC Radio Olympic commentary, Rome, 1960 Abebe Bikila was the first black African to win an Olympic gold medal. He won the marathon running barefoot in Rome in 1960 and won again wearing shoes in Tokyo in 1964, becoming the first person to win the most grueling of all human contests twice. Born into bitter poverty in rural Ethiopia in 1932, at sixteen Bikila joined the Imperial Guard of the Emperor Haile Selassie. It was there that he came to the notice of the Swedish athletics coach Onni Niskanen, whom Selassie had engaged to try and raise his country’s profile through sport. Bikila became the focus of these ambitions—and an unwitting figurehead for black African nationalism. Following the 1960 Olympics, Bikila’s life took a dramatic turn when he was implicated in a failed coup against Selassie. Bikila was initially sentenced to death but was eventually pardoned following Niskanen’s intervention. Despite an attack of appendicitis, Bikila recovered in time to win the Olympic marathon once again. Bikila died in 1973. Paul Rambali is a writer and broadcaster and was a rock journalist for NME during the punk era. The author of two books about France and works including It’s All True and In the Cities and Jungles of Brazil, a personal odyssey exploring issues of development and culture in the Third World, he also ghost-wrote Phoolan Devi, the autobiography of India’s Bandit Queen, which has been published in twenty-six countries. He now lives in Paris.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sudhir · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational book to all, regardless of whether you run or not.

[Christos Angelopoulos · Rating 2 out of 5]

An book that could have been interesting, since Abebe Bikila is a major figure in the long distance running scene, felt short and is more like a fictionalization of the life of this great marathoner. The writer is using the main story of Abebe Bikila to describe parts of his life along with a 'fictional but possible' way of the life of his Finn/Swede coach Onni Niskanen along with the life and reign of Haile Selassie. Not much details about how he achieved his accomplishments and a rather poor job of giving details about specific facts (the place that Abebe Bikila finished in the 1963 Boston Marathon is not mentioned at all). And again not too much details about life in Ethiopia in the time period that is described in the book. Overall is weak book which I did not enjoy that much.

[Vivekan Jeyagaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book transcends the unbelievable Olympics, athletic, and human accomplishments of Achebe in the marathon races; setting record after record. The book takes you through his journey from rural Ethiopia to gold medal in Rome (barefoot), and Tokyo; while also speaking to the political, social, and economic happenings of Ethiopia during this time. Most importantly, the story highlights the racial prejudices that the entire continent faced, even in sporting achievements; and that intersectionality makes this heroic story multifaceted. It was also important reminder of how racism has evolved since the 1960’s to the 2020’s; as it hasn’t left the building just yet.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the great moments in Olympic history was when Abebe Bikila won hold in the marathon running barefoot across the Rome cobblestone streets. This book tells the story of Abebe’s life and how his country, Ethiopia, became a running powerhouse. There some slow chapters in this book, but it’s well worth it to push through to the best parts.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not just about Abebe Bikila. It also gives some interesting insight into the culture and thinking of the Ethopian people at the time. He was an interesting person and I enjoyed learning about the many layers of his life.

[John White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only inspirational it’s a very fact finding read. A true legend well before his time who opened the gates to a generation of athletes, and gave a nation hope. One of the best running books I have read.

[Nmdb22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, not just an ordinary biography, but the story of a little boy tending his family's sheep in a village in Ethiopia who goes to the capital to become a member of the Emperor's personal guards, becomes an athlete trained by a Swedish trainer and eventually wins the Olympics marathon twice. An extraordinary story, well written, very human.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring look into Abebe Bikila's life, his humble background, his competitive spirit, his hard work and the tragic end to his running career. I learned a lot about Ethiopian history, beliefs and its people. A fun read.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The style took some time to get used to, but as the narrative progressed, you become so swept up in Abebe's inspirational story that the pages just keep turning themselves, just as his legs carried him relentlessly and effortlessly forwards!

[Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

ok... this covers Ethiopia's entry into the Olympics following the life of two time gold medal winning long distance runner Abebe Bikila...wow. its excellent.

[Remy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love hearing about the joyful competition between runners.

[Bryan Worn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a runner I was attracted to this. Just after the Olympics it seemed timely. However the narrative is so much bigger than winning an Olympic marathon barefoot.
Awesome and inspiring

[John Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tale about a great runner. No more excuses for not running, never.

[Chung-yee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Very inspiring. Having no background knowledge of Abebe Bikila or even much knowledge on Ethiopian history, I enjoyed the combination of history, context and story.

[Toddster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the book. Couldn't put it down. Even though historical fiction I enjoyed learning about Ethiopia and the Olympic marathon. A great book to read after born to run.

[Colin Leak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Intertwines the story of Bikila, His coach, Niskanen, and the history of Ethiopia. A well written book that is definitely worth the read.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting story, but didn't like the style.