Abebe Bikila, an Ethiopian and the first black African athlete to win gold medal at the Olympics was once quoted as saying ‘I wanted the whole world to know that my country, Ethiopia has always won with determination and heroism.’
His belief has; in fact, come true, till these days, Abebe’s heroic deeds remain popular even after his death. He and his country have continued to be at the heart of sport enthusiasts and those who witnessed heroism at its best worldwide. Abebe’s name is not only associated with sporting field, his contributions are still afresh in the diplomatic relations of Ethiopia and Italy, and Ethiopia and Japan.
Surly, Abebe is one of the unforgettable and adorned sportsmen who made history whose name is not only popular among commenters but also among the ordinary people. His name is still popular overseas as much as it is in his home country.
He is still well remembered throughout the world for his great achievements and glittering success. And Rome and Tokyo carry special honor to the athlete who is also subject of biographies and films documenting as long as marathon is concerned.
Many awards are also named after the athlete that sets world record while running barefoot at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, then bested his own record at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo.
Abebe is also largely seen as an icon that made Japanese to be enthusiastic about marathon and inspired many athletes. Japan is crazy about Abebe, he is as famous as Japanese renowned personalities in Tokyo. A Street in Tokyo has been named after him while there is a statue dedicated to him. Japan indeed has continued celebrating the wonderful athlete.
Very recently Ethiopian embassy in Japan has organized a race to remember the athlete. The race was attended by Ethiopian Ambassador and Derartu Tulu who is also Olympic gold medalist, Son of Abebe, Yetnayet Abebe and Japanese officials.
The race was won by Ethiopian athletes while both Ethiopians and Japanese people had taken part in it with many expressing their respect to the athlete whom they see not only as Ethiopian but also as a Japanese hero. He was a source of pride and joy for Ethiopian community living in Japan. That was exactly what students and embassy’s workers in Tokyo corroborated.
Ethiopians in the country receive warm welcome and greeting form Japanese people who in fact are very polite and calm. In fact, Abebe is one of the few bonds where Ethiopia and Japan are connected. Shinzō Abe during his last visit to Ethiopia had received a gift from the son of late barefoot Marathon legend Abebe Bikila.
He said: “ My name is Abe, but everybody teased me at school, calling me Abebe , the prime minister joked. Many Japanese marathon runners would actually collapse after the race but when I saw Mr. Abebe stretching afterwards; it was such a surprise, even for a 10 year old. Today, I had the opportunity to meet famous athletes from Ethiopia as well as the son of Mr. Abebe.”
The Tokyo Summer Olympic to be held in July 24, 2020 will bring many memories and nostalgia to participating athletes and the host community who have given much respect to the one and only, Abebe Bikila.
The Ethiopian Herald, Friday Edition, January 31/2020
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
