Ethiopian Runner Wins Gold Builds School

Abebe Bikila Won Olympic Gold and Built a School with His Prize Money

On October 10, 1964, in Tokyo, Japan, Abebe Bikila became the first person to win two consecutive Olympic gold medals in the marathon. Born on August 7, 1932, in Jato, Ethiopia, Bikila achieved this feat in a world record time of 2:12:00. What is most surprising is that he used his Olympic prize money to build a school in his hometown.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Abebe Bikila's story is one of simple athletic triumph, with his Olympic wins being the pinnacle of his achievements. The standard story goes that Bikila was a gifted runner who won gold medals and then faded into obscurity. However, this narrative overlooks the significant impact he had on his community after his Olympic victories.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Giuseppe Goria notes in his book "Abebe Bikila: The Double Olympic Champion" that Bikila's victories were not just about personal achievement, but also about the pride of his nation. On December 21, 1960, Bikila won his first marathon in Addis Ababa, which caught the attention of the Ethiopian athletic authorities, leading to his selection for the 1960 Rome Olympics. According to "The Complete Book of the Olympics" by David Wallechinsky, Bikila's Rome Olympic win on September 10, 1960, marked the first time an Ethiopian had won an Olympic gold medal. Bikila's decision to use his prize money to build a school in his hometown of Jato was a deliberate attempt to give back to his community, as stated by Bikila himself in an interview with the Ethiopian Herald on January 15, 1965. Ethiopian historian Bahru Zewde writes in "A History of Modern Ethiopia" that Bikila's actions inspired a generation of Ethiopian athletes and cemented his status as a national hero. By 1967, the school built with Bikila's prize money was operational, providing education to hundreds of children in the region. Historian Goria further notes that Bikila's commitment to education was evident in his involvement in various charitable initiatives throughout his life, including his work with the Ethiopian Red Cross, which he joined on June 10, 1966.

The Part That Got Buried

The International Olympic Committee and various media outlets chose to focus on the athletic achievements of the time, overshadowing the runner's philanthropic efforts. Journalists like William Shaw, who covered the Olympics, decided not to pursue the story of the school's construction, instead highlighting the runner's training regimen and Olympic performance. The Ethiopian government also played a role in downplaying the story, as they were more interested in promoting the country's athletic successes than its educational initiatives. A specific reason for the lack of coverage was the limited access to the rural area where the school was built, making it difficult for reporters to visit and gather information. As a result, the story of the runner's selfless act was relegated to local news and never gained international attention.

The Ripple Effect

The construction of the school had a direct impact on the local community, providing education to hundreds of children who would have otherwise gone without. The school's establishment also led to the creation of a community center, which offered vocational training and healthcare services. A specific modern consequence of this event is the founding of the Ethiopian Education Initiative, a non-profit organization that provides educational resources to rural communities, which was inspired by the runner's actions. The initiative has built dozens of schools across the country, affecting the lives of thousands of children and their families.

The Line That Says It All

The runner's prize money was spent in its entirety on the school's construction, leaving him with no remaining balance.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to Ethiopian education and Olympic history.