From serving Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia to becoming a marathon legend, Abebe Bikila made history as the first black African man to win an Olympic gold medal in Rome in 1960.

He then became the first athlete to win back-to-back marathons at the Games, defending his title in Tokyo in 1964.

After years at the top of his sport, Bikila suffered life-changing injuries which left him unable to walk.

But he competed in, and won, competitions for disabled athletes.

World famous while he was alive, the Ethiopian has inspired generations of athletes, but his incredible story has been forgotten by many outside of his home country.

Produced and edited by Marta Pausilli.