The Athlete (2009)

In the heart of Rome in 1960, a barefooted phenomenon from Ethiopia emerged from obscurity to claim Olympic gold in the marathon. Abebe Bikila, a humble soldier and son of a shepherd, instantly transformed into an icon of sport, becoming the first African to clinch a gold medal. His legend grew exponentially when he defied odds to win a consecutive Olympic gold four years later in Tokyo, etching his name in the annals of history as arguably the greatest long-distance runner the world has witnessed. However, a heartrending turn of events was waiting on the horizon. When a catastrophic car accident on his way home from training in the Ethiopian countryside left him paralyzed from the waist down, Bikila found himself facing the most daunting obstacle of his life. Stripped of his ability to run, he grappled with his will to live, searching for a new purpose amidst despair. In this crucible of adversity, Bikila discovered a profound essence of competition, trading his running shoes for a bow and arrow in the Paralympics and braving the cold as a handicapped dog sledder in Norway. His running career might have met an abrupt end, but it marked the commencement of an extraordinary life race. "The Athlete" portrays Bikila's awe-inspiring journey, capturing his indomitable spirit and the sheer force of his will. This is the untold story of Bikila's relentless quest for life and sport, rendered on the big screen with an emotional intensity and cinematic elegance that haven't been seen since Raging Bull.

The Athlete is a drama movie featuring Dag Malmberg and directed by Rasselas Lakew.

The Athlete is currently streaming on Hoopla.