Who was the African American runner who ran in his bare feet?

Question

I remember our teacher in 5th grade showing our class this video about this African American runner who ran in his bare feet. I think he won the race, I have no clue if it was the Olympics or not. I think it was a while back, probably in the 80s or 70s? Anyone know who I am talking about? I want to know? Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Abebe Bikila was added to the 1960 Ethiopian Olympic team only at the last moment, as the plane to Rome was about to leave, as a replacement for Wami Biratu, who had broken his ankle in a soccer match. Major Onni Niskanen entered Bikila and Mamo Wolde in the marathon.

Adidas, the shoe sponsor at the 1960 Summer Olympics, had few shoes left when Bikila went to try out shoes and he ended up with a pair that didn’t fit comfortably, so he couldn't use them. A couple of hours before the race the decision was taken by Abebe to run barefoot, the way he'd trained for the race.

Bikila won the Gold medal at the 1960 games in Rome.  After the race, when Bikila was asked why he had run barefoot, he replied, “I wanted the world to know that my country, Ethiopia, has always won with determination and heroism."

Abebe Bikila traveled to Tokyo but was not expected to compete in the 1964 Olympics.. He did enter the marathon, this time wearing Asics shoes, and won the Gold Medal.  

Answer 2

The 1960 Olympics, in Rome, Italy.

Abebe Bikila, Ethiopian guy ran barefoot the marathon race and won, with an impressive time of 2:15:16

to the person below:

nice quoting from wikipedia