Collection of items belonging to Onni NISKANEN, Abebe BIKILA’s coach, comprising his Swedish army parade uniform, his Order of the Star of Ethiopia badge, his participant’s medals from the Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964 Games, and his participant’s diplomas from the Tokyo 1964 and Mexico City 1968 Games. In 1959, Abebe Bikila met Swede Onni Niskanen, who was working as athletes’ director with the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, while training at the Debre Zeit sports complex. Niskanen became Bikila’s coach and respected his religious beliefs, which saw the athlete fast for up to 175 days a year, but insisted that he follow a recovery regime involving sauna, cold bath and stretching sessions – methods similar to those pioneered by Niskanen’s fellow Swede Pehr Henrik Ling in the 19th century. These methods ultimately proved successful, as Bikila became a double Olympic champion, winning the marathon at Rome 1960 and Tokyo 1964. He was the first Ethiopian athlete to win Olympic gold. This collection of items is supplemented by numerous photos, which are in the possession of the Images and Sounds Section. Donation