Abebe Bikila's and Mamo Wolde's tombs desecrated

[Ryan]

Truly disheartening:

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - The tombstones of former Olympics marathon gold medalists Abebe Bikila and Mamo Wolde were this week desecrated by unknown persons, it was learnt.

The two athletes, who won Olympic gold in Tokyo, Rome and Mexico, were laid to rest at the cemetery in St Joseph’s church. According to Abeselom Yihdego, long standing athletics supporter, philanthropist and owner of Keste Damena Foam Factory, the tombstones were torn down during the evening.

“I heard about the situation on Thursday morning and when I reached the spot, the life size statues of both athletes were cut from the legs. My father’s statue was especially damaged and that is a very sad thing,” Samuel Mamo, son of Major Mamo Wolde said.

Nazret.com article