Chapter 04 of 5
A Change of Pace
The 1969 car accident that halted the runner but not the man.
- National Hero
A Gift from the Emperor
In 1969, Emperor Haile Selassie gifted Bikila a Volkswagen Beetle as a reward for his global sporting dominance.
- The Incident
A Fateful Swerve
While driving near Addis Ababa, Bikila swerved to avoid a crowd of protesters, causing his car to flip into a ditch.
- The Toll
Trapped in the Wreckage
Abebe remained pinned in the vehicle for hours before help arrived. The damage to his spine was catastrophic.
17 more cards in this chapter
Could you answer this?
Where was Abebe Bikila sent for specialist treatment following his spinal injury?
👣 The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner
- 01The Guard of Addis AbabaAbebe’s humble start in the Imperial Guard and his discovery of endurance.
- 02The Barefoot MiracleThe 1960 Rome Olympics and the decision to run without shoes.
- 03The Weight of the ContinentDefending the title in Tokyo while representing a changing Africa.
- 04A Change of PaceThe 1969 car accident that halted the runner but not the man.
- 05The Unbreakable SpiritBikila’s transition to the Paralympics and his lasting mental legacy.