Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
olympic marathonlatest news & developments
4 Aug 1996: Josia Thugwane of South Africa celebrates as he enters the stadium during the men’s marathon at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. Thugwane won gold. (Mike Powell /Allsport via Getty Images)
1904 OLYMPICS

Understanding the legacy of South Africa’s first Olympic marathon runners

Two black South African runners were among the first from the continent to compete in the 1904 games in the United States

  • Francois Cleophas
7 min read
Kenenisa Bekele is the world’s most decorated distance runner. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
ABEBE BIKILA

Ethiopia’s marathoners hope to relive iconic Olympic triumphs

The country’s new talent is hoping to surpass the achievements of legends such as Abebe Bikila and Kenenisa Bekele at this year’s games

  • Stephen Granger
5 min read