The Athlete (2009)

Synopsis

Biographical feature drama about Ethiopian sportsman Abebe Bikila. Rasselas Lakew, who also co-directs and co-writes the film, plays Bikila, who becomes a world sensation when he runs barefoot to win Olympic gold in the Rome marathon in 1960, and, four years later in Tokyo, becomes the first person ever to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the marathon.
See more Biographical feature drama about Ethiopian sportsman Abebe Bikila. Rasselas Lakew, who also co-directs and co-writes the film, plays Bikila, who becomes a world sensation when he runs barefoot to win Olympic gold in the Rome marathon in 1960, and, four years later in Tokyo, becomes the first person ever to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the marathon. Soon after this, however, a car accident leaves him paralysed from the waist down and unable to walk. Faced with the greatest challenge of his life, he manages to overcome his physical limitations and takes up archery for the Paralympics, before going on to participate in the gruelling Ridderrennet cross-country ski race in Norway.
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Our review

"Yet another sports movie to help prepare for the Olympics. But while the likes of Fast Girls tripped, this harrowing true story about Ethiopian distance runner Abebe Bikila truly is an inspirational piece of work that proves nothing is impossible."

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