For the first half of the race, Bikila seemed happy to hang back, letting the European runners decide the pace.

CNN: Olympic memories: Bikila's triumph

In doing so, Bikila became the first black African Olympic champion, and in one of the Games' most prestigious events.

CNN: Olympic memories: Bikila's triumph

Not only that, Bikila had broken the world record and knocked almost eight minutes off Emil Zatopek's previous Olympic best of 1952.

CNN: Olympic memories: Bikila's triumph

Given the ease of his victory, it seems incredible that Bikila was not even considered a genuine medal contender in the run-up to the event.

CNN: Olympic memories: Bikila's triumph

Maraniss wins a gold medal for his portraits of American stars Wilma Rudolph, Rafer Johnson and Cassius Clay, as well as of the barefoot Ethiopian gold medal marathoner Abebe Bikila.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The fact Bikila -- who served as a bodyguard for Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie in his day job -- chose to run without shoes only added to the impression that he was not to be taken seriously.

CNN: Olympic memories: Bikila's triumph

And so will many other performances in a Games that sired 15 world records and added illustrious new names to an Olympic Hall of Fame that includes such legends as Jesse Owens, Emil Zatopek, Abebe Bikila and Sebas-tian Coe.

CNN: THE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE