Ethiopian eyes barefoot runner's feat in Rome

More than 60 years after Ethiopia’s legendary athlete run barefoot to win Olympic marathon gold in Rome, another fellow citizen aims to replicate that.

Former race director of the Great Ethiopian Run, Ermias Ayele, is aiming to complete the 42km (26.2 miles) running barefoot in Sunday's Rome marathon, which has been dominated by Ethiopians runners.

Abebe Bikila was the first black African to win gold at the Olympics in 1960, his victory in Rome became an inspiration to generations of African runners, especially in East Africa.

He decided to race barefoot because the shoes he wore on the day were uncomfortable.

“I have always felt that he did not get the recognition he deserved. Moreover, his story always inspired me and that’s why I am planning to emulate him in the same place and the same way, where he made history and pay tribute to all he’s done for athletics and Ethiopia,’’ Mr Emias told Athletics Weekly.

Abebe died in 1973 from complications of a road accident four years earlier that had left him paralysed.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: @ Ermias Ayele/ Twitter