It’s Abebe Bikila’s big race,
And his stomach-wrenching pace … wins first place.
Though the world’s best came to run
In expensive shoes, not one could beat
This athlete’s feat.

Ev’ry day at the break of dawn,
A shepherd boy showed his speed and brawn
And just kept runnin’ on.
He wasn’t just another shepherd,
And outrunning all the leopards there,
Helped pay his fare.

But Adidas wanted him to lose,
They hate runners on the news
Who wear no shoes.

Yes, it takes a lot of courage
To bear the hopes of a continent,
But he was sent.
And following Bikila’s surprise,
The sports world won’t look the same,
He lit the flame!