Mamo WOLDE
Mamo WOLDE joined the ranks of Ethiopian athletes like Abebe BIKILA in 1960 and 1964, marking the beginning of a long tradition that would spread throughout the East African Rift Valley.
Melbourne 1956 and Tokyo 1964
Demisse " Mamo " WOLDE made his debut at the 1956 Games in Melbourne , competing in the 800 metres, 1500 metres and the 4 x 400 metres relay.
At the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, he narrowly missed out on the podium with a fourth-place finish in the 10,000 metres.
Until the early 1960s, East African runners were unheard of in the world of athletics.
Then came the thunderous moment at the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960, when the Ethiopian barefoot runner Abebe BIKILA stunned the world by winning Olympic gold in the marathon. And he did it again at Tokyo 1964. At Mexico 1968, Ethiopia's dominance continued thanks to Mamo WOLDE.
Tokyo 1964, Mamo WOLDE (ETH) et Abebe BIKILA (ETH) signent des autographes.© (1964) by Kishimoto / Comité International OlympiqueThe Olympic Museum
Tokyo 1964
Many Japanese people still consider BIKILA and WOLDE as two of the greatest marathoners in history : BIKILA triumphed in the Olympic marathon at Tokyo 1964 in a breathtaking race. Meanwhile, Wolde emerged victorious against Japan's own Kenji KIMIHARA at Mexico 1968.
Mexico 1968, 10000m Hommes - Mamo WOLDE (ETH) 2e et Naftali TEMU (KEN) 1e. (1968) by Comité International Olympique / United ArchivesThe Olympic Museum
Mexico 1968
In 1968 WOLDE competed in the 10,000 metres alongside favourites Kip KENO and Naftali TEMU from Kenya. Mamo took the lead 200 metres before the finish, but TEMU overtook him in the final moments . Still, Wolde secured his first Olympic medal, a well-deserved silver.
Mexico 1968, marathon Hommes - arrivée de Mamo WOLDE (ETH) 1e. (1968) by Comité International OlympiqueThe Olympic Museum
Mexico 1968
Mamo WOLDE claimed the marathon title over 3 minutes ahead of Japan's Kenji KIMIHARA, completing the race in 2 hours, 20 minutes and 26 seconds.
On 20 October 1968, 72 athletes from 44 countries lined up for this highly anticipated race. Abebe BIKILA and Mamo WOLDE were Ethiopia's hopes. Unfortunately, BIKILA had to withdraw after 15 kilometres. Wolde later recalled, "At the 20th kilometre, my coaches got out of their car and told me, 'You are Ethiopia's only chance'".
Mamo WOLDE persevered and crossed the finish line triumphantly, bringing home Ethiopia's third marathon gold.
Munich 1972
At the age of 39, Mamo WOLDE participated in his final Olympic Games, winning the bronze medal in the marathon with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 8 seconds. He finished behind Belgian athlete Karel LISMONT and the now famous American runner Frank SHORTER, known for his light and graceful style.
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