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Abebe Bikila(1932-1973)

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Trailer for The Athlete
Play trailer2:59
The Athlete (2009)
Abebe Bikila was born on 7 August 1932 in Jato, Ethiopia. He was married to Yewibdar Giorghis. He died on 25 October 1973 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
BornAugust 7, 1932
DiedOctober 25, 1973(41)
BornAugust 7, 1932
DiedOctober 25, 1973(41)
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Add photos, demo reels

Known for

Tokyo Olympiad (1965)
Tokyo Olympiad
7.8
  • Self
  • 1965
The Way It Was (1974)
The Way It Was
7.5
TV Series
  • Self
Rome 1960: Games of the XVII Olympiad (1960)
Rome 1960: Games of the XVII Olympiad
6.6
TV Mini Series
  • Self
  • 1960
Sfide (1998)
Sfide
2.0
TV Series
  • Self

Credits

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IMDbPro

Videos1

The Athlete
Trailer 2:59
The Athlete

Personal details

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  • Height
    • 5′ 9¾″ (1.77 m)
  • Born
    • August 7, 1932
    • Jato, Ethiopia
  • Died
    • October 25, 1973
    • Addis Ababa, Ethiopia(cerebral hemorrhage)
  • Spouse
    • Yewibdar Giorghis1954 - October 25, 1973 (his death, 4 children)

Did you know

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  • Trivia
    Came from a family of farmers and was member of the Imperial Guard member of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie before succeeding in military competitions. After his victory in Rome, Selassie offered him a car, an apartment, and a pension for the rest of his life. However, when rebellion arose in the Emperor's Palace, all the Guard were killed. Abebe Bikila escaped from death thanks to the Emperor's intervention.
  • Quotes
    Men of success meet with tragedy. It was the will of God that I won the Olympics, and it was the will of God that I met with my accident. I accepted those victories as I accepted this tragedy. I have to accept both circumstances as facts of life and live happily.

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