Ethiopia's first appearance at the Olympics takes us back 60 years, when the renowned cyclist, Geremew Demboba, received the full support, blessing and financial assistance of His Majesty Haile Selassie I. Aviation was still in its infancy; it took at least 10 days' air travel on the small Dekota airplane to reach Australia where the Games were being held. It is almost hard to believe how athletes could participate in the competition after those long tiresome flights.
But it was after the Rome marathon that opportunity struck through the window of the residence of Abebe Bikela. Ever since the bare footed young soldier of the Imperial Body Guard won the marathon, Ethiopia has become synonymous with long distance running.
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