Ethiopia’s only winter Olympian Robel Teklemariam is
giving it second try. The cross country skier is scheduled to compete in the Vancouver Olympics, hoping to improve his "84th-spot"
finish 4 years ago in Italy.
giving it second try. The cross country skier is scheduled to compete in the Vancouver Olympics, hoping to improve his "84th-spot"
finish 4 years ago in Italy.
In 2006, Robel said that his motivation to represent Ethiopia comes from the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome. The event was filled with unforgettable highlights. Muhammed Ali won the light-heavyweight gold medal in boxing. Wilma Rudolph, the 20th of 22 children in her family, became the first American woman to win three gold medals in athletics in one Olympiad. Clement Quartey of Ghana became the first black African to win an Olympic medal after competing in the light-welterweight boxing category. But it was Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia who stole the show. Bikila ran the marathon barefoot and won the gold medal to become the first black African Olympic champion. Abebe Bikila cruised to victory in world record time, hailing Ethiopia and Africa into the spotlight. Since that time, many legendary runners have emerged from Ethiopia to succeed Bikila as Olympic champions, but Robel is the first winter Olympian aiming to follow suit.
Good luck Robel!! We will be cheering for you! =)
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