Hicham El Guerrouj was born
September 14, 1974, in Berkane in the east of Morocco. From
the age of 15, he was spotted at cross country championships in Morocco the
national technical director of the time, Aziz Daouda. It
then requests the consent of his father to integrate with the National
Institute of Athletics, real factory to champion who provided ten Olympic
medalists for Morocco. Hicham
must stop his studies to devote himself to athletics.
Very quickly the Moroccan proves that it is endowed with natural qualities off pairs. Since 1992, El Guerrouj accesses his first international podium in the 5000m in the company of some Haile Gebresselassie and Ismael Kirui. A podium would have been Olympic in view of the future careers of the winners, but it is the result of the World Junior Championships in Seoul 1992. El Guerrouj finished third in the race. The winner is the Ethiopian Haile Gebresselassie, also a future legend of the middle distance. The Kenyan Ismael Kirui will her 5000m world champion in 1993 and 1995. This first international podium portends a bright future Moroccan prodigy, fourth junior world cross Boston a few months earlier.
Very quickly the Moroccan proves that it is endowed with natural qualities off pairs. Since 1992, El Guerrouj accesses his first international podium in the 5000m in the company of some Haile Gebresselassie and Ismael Kirui. A podium would have been Olympic in view of the future careers of the winners, but it is the result of the World Junior Championships in Seoul 1992. El Guerrouj finished third in the race. The winner is the Ethiopian Haile Gebresselassie, also a future legend of the middle distance. The Kenyan Ismael Kirui will her 5000m world champion in 1993 and 1995. This first international podium portends a bright future Moroccan prodigy, fourth junior world cross Boston a few months earlier.
Junior World Championships
in Seoul in 1992, El Guerrouj is third behind Kirui and Gebrselassie
In
1994 he is part of the Morocco team which beats the world record for the Ekiden
(marathon team of six) in 1h57'56.
In 1995 Hicham pierces the very highest level. Its winter season, takes him to a first world title, the indoor 1500m in Barcelona. He began his outdoor season in 3'34''28 in Hengelo, before running in July 3'31''53 in Oslo where he finished behind the Burundian Niyongabo Venuste, then second best miler in the world. Guess who is the best at that time ... A Noureddine Morceli who remain unbeaten in eleven races this year, including the world Göteborg 95 where it prevails in 3'33''73. Behind the Algerian El Guerrouj, only 20, took second place, ahead Niyongabo. Niyongabo decide to compete in the 5000m in Atlanta and win Olympic gold. As for Hicham, all Morocco sees in him a worthy successor of Said Aouita, multiple world record holder in the 5000m and 1500m above first Moroccan Olympic champion (5000m in 1984). This is also "decathlete middle distance" which tempted to Hicham run.
The year 1996 was of course in everyone's head for the Olympic Games in Atlanta. Algerian Morceli very careful young El Guerrouj, who just passed for the first time in his career under the 3'30, July 8, 1996 in Stockholm 3'29''59. The Atlanta Olympics 96 will be the first Olympic disappointment of Hicham El Guerrouj. In 1500m final, 450 meters from the finish, he sticks to the skirts of Morceli. A little too close, he gets off balance and fall. The race is lost to Morocco, although it is recovering to finish 3'40''75 last. Morceli, the legendary finish, wins in 3'35''78 before the Barcelona Olympic champion Fermin Cacho 92, 3'36''40. El Guerrouj found solace in ending his season with the best world performance of the year with a time of 3'29''05 in Brussels on 23 August 1996.
In 1995 Hicham pierces the very highest level. Its winter season, takes him to a first world title, the indoor 1500m in Barcelona. He began his outdoor season in 3'34''28 in Hengelo, before running in July 3'31''53 in Oslo where he finished behind the Burundian Niyongabo Venuste, then second best miler in the world. Guess who is the best at that time ... A Noureddine Morceli who remain unbeaten in eleven races this year, including the world Göteborg 95 where it prevails in 3'33''73. Behind the Algerian El Guerrouj, only 20, took second place, ahead Niyongabo. Niyongabo decide to compete in the 5000m in Atlanta and win Olympic gold. As for Hicham, all Morocco sees in him a worthy successor of Said Aouita, multiple world record holder in the 5000m and 1500m above first Moroccan Olympic champion (5000m in 1984). This is also "decathlete middle distance" which tempted to Hicham run.
The year 1996 was of course in everyone's head for the Olympic Games in Atlanta. Algerian Morceli very careful young El Guerrouj, who just passed for the first time in his career under the 3'30, July 8, 1996 in Stockholm 3'29''59. The Atlanta Olympics 96 will be the first Olympic disappointment of Hicham El Guerrouj. In 1500m final, 450 meters from the finish, he sticks to the skirts of Morceli. A little too close, he gets off balance and fall. The race is lost to Morocco, although it is recovering to finish 3'40''75 last. Morceli, the legendary finish, wins in 3'35''78 before the Barcelona Olympic champion Fermin Cacho 92, 3'36''40. El Guerrouj found solace in ending his season with the best world performance of the year with a time of 3'29''05 in Brussels on 23 August 1996.
El Guerrouj falls
one lap to go in Atlanta in 1996
An avalanche of records
The year 1997 will be the handover from the reign of Morceli and El Guerrouj. Hicham will become the new king of middle distance. He quickly captured the world record in the 1500m indoor, 3'31''18 in Stuttgart, then ten days later than the mile 3'48''45 in Gent. To crown his indoor season, he retains his world indoor title in Paris-Bercy. Then comes his first world title outdoors in Athens 97, in front 3'35''83 Fermin Cacho, 3'36''63. Morceli, fourth, is deposed after 6 years of rule and not go up more on an international podium. At the end of the season, when we do the accounts, El Guerrouj was beaten only once, on a tactical final mile in the IAAF Grand Price Fukuaka, and ran six times under 3'30. There he started to fulfill his destiny to champion other!
His first masterpiece, is in Rome on July 14, 1998. He asked his hares follow crazy bases, almost senseless. His compatriot Adil Elkaouche 54''17 happening in the 400m, his second hare Noah Ngeny 1'50''73 in the 800m and 1100m at 2'32''73. Hicham El Guerrouj flew so literally, to other lands. Stupor seized the stage and even the electrical panel does not believe and off. After waiting a few minutes, the clock finally appears ... 3'26''00! New world record! 3'26 any battery, is that perfection? Exit therefore 3'27''37 Nourredine Morceli, to whom he is still the world record the mile and 2000m. Two days after his record of 1500m, El Guerrouj fails 21/100 mile of the reference clock.
El Guerrouj does not wait for appropriating the world records Morceli. The first, the mile, fell 7 July 1999 on a track that brings luck in Morocco, that of Rome. In a race led by Kenyan Robert Kibet and William Tanui, Hicham El Guerrouj wins in 3'43''13 after a good fight with Noah Ngeny, 20, who finished in 3'43''40. The second, the 2000m, falls on 7 September 1999 in Berlin 4'44''79. Meanwhile, at the world championships in Seville 99, El Guerrouj 1500m retains his title in the barrel before time of 3'27''65 Noah Ngeny (3'28''73) and Reyes Estevez (3'30''57 ). Through the dedication of his compatriot Adil Kaouch Spent 1'52''15 800m, 3'27 these are by far the championships record. This year 1999 is also that of the ascension of Noah Ngeny who, after the hare El Guerrouj repeatedly approaches the master. The Kenyan even manages to capture the world record in the 1000m 2'11''96 and has the luxury of erasing the great Sebastian Coe tablets and 2'12''18, 18 years old.
A second Olympic disappointment
At the dawn of the 21st century, it lacks the winners Hicham El Guerrouj one title that still eludes him. But this is not any title. This is the most coveted of all, without doubt the most magical: the Olympic title. Sydney 2000 Games are a great opportunity for then to become Olympic champion Hicham. After 800 meters led by his compatriot Youssef Baba (in 1'54''77), El Guerrouj captured the race lead. At the bell, they are no more than four to a title, the three pursuers being Noah Ngeny, Bernard Lagat and Mehdi Baala. But at the end of the last corner Ngeny shifts to double the master. The two men, followed closely by Lagat, are waging a fierce struggle. Noah Ngeny finally prevailed in 3'32''07 before El Guerrouj in 3'32''32, Lagat in 3'32''44 and Baala in 3'34''14. This failure is hard to digest for Morocco especially since it will be undefeated in 2001 and 2002.
These two unbeaten seasons were marked by a world title in 2001 in Edmonton. In 1500m final he wins in 3'30''68 before the Kenyan Bernard Lagat (3'31''10) and the French Driss Maazouzi (3'31''54). Missing a Noah Ngeny, eliminated in the semifinals. From a timing point of view it makes 3'26''12 August 24, 2001 in Brussels, then in 2002, again in Brussels and Rieti 3'26''89 3'26''96.
At the dawn of the 21st century, it lacks the winners Hicham El Guerrouj one title that still eludes him. But this is not any title. This is the most coveted of all, without doubt the most magical: the Olympic title. Sydney 2000 Games are a great opportunity for then to become Olympic champion Hicham. After 800 meters led by his compatriot Youssef Baba (in 1'54''77), El Guerrouj captured the race lead. At the bell, they are no more than four to a title, the three pursuers being Noah Ngeny, Bernard Lagat and Mehdi Baala. But at the end of the last corner Ngeny shifts to double the master. The two men, followed closely by Lagat, are waging a fierce struggle. Noah Ngeny finally prevailed in 3'32''07 before El Guerrouj in 3'32''32, Lagat in 3'32''44 and Baala in 3'34''14. This failure is hard to digest for Morocco especially since it will be undefeated in 2001 and 2002.
These two unbeaten seasons were marked by a world title in 2001 in Edmonton. In 1500m final he wins in 3'30''68 before the Kenyan Bernard Lagat (3'31''10) and the French Driss Maazouzi (3'31''54). Missing a Noah Ngeny, eliminated in the semifinals. From a timing point of view it makes 3'26''12 August 24, 2001 in Brussels, then in 2002, again in Brussels and Rieti 3'26''89 3'26''96.
Global
competitions of Paris, El Guerrouj wins before Mehdi Baala
The event of 2003, are the world championships at the Stade de France. The 1500m is a real spectacle for the audience that encourages its runner Mehdi Baala and admire at the same time what the champion Hicham El Guerrouj, bringing France into his heart. Hicham took the lead with 600m to avoid a tactical race, always perilous. It hardens the race and was in his stride only one runner Mehdi Baala in its best form. The stadium Mehdi thinks capable of the feat and pushes him to fetch the gold. But it was not always count on El Guerrouj Imperial, which prevails in 3'31''77 against 3'32''31 for Baala. Hicham is world champion for the fourth time! These four consecutive titles of world champion of 1500 meters, from 1997 to 2003, out of the Noureddine Morceli, "only" triple consecutive champion from 1991 to 1995. In the process, El Guerrouj doubled the tent on the 5000m and fails to no, only four hundredths in the first place Eliud Kipchoge wins in 12'52''79. Kenenisa Bekele completes the podium in the 5000m.
Finally Olympic gold!
The year 2004 seems to be the year of the last chance for El Guerrouj in his Olympic grail quest. And it does not start well for the Moroccan struggling to find his best form. He is disturbed in its preparation for respiratory problems. To his return, at the Golden Gala in Rome, he finished only eighth and during the final rehearsal before the Olympics, in Zurich, he was beaten by Bernard Lagat. It's an earthquake, El Guerrouj was unbeaten since the Olympic final in Sydney, is not less than 29 consecutive wins. Do this more ultra overbearing, so much so that doubts as to its participation in the Athens Olympics in 2004.
The spirit of competition taking over, he still goes to Greece, where it all began for him with the first of his four world titles in the 1500m. In Olympic 1500m final, he repeated the same pattern race in Sydney by taking over the race lead after 800m, although the passage of time is much slower (2'01''93). Bernard Lagat, third in Sydney, closely following him. In the end the final bend, the Kenyan shifts to double and slightly exceeds 50m from the line. The defeat of El Guerrouj in Sydney seems to repeat. Hicham suddenly found the strength to cross the line as the winner. He then kneels to kiss the track and thank Allah. Lagat hugs to congratulate him. Hicham can not hold back his tears, he finally has after which he would run from the beginning of his career. A relief !
The year 2004 seems to be the year of the last chance for El Guerrouj in his Olympic grail quest. And it does not start well for the Moroccan struggling to find his best form. He is disturbed in its preparation for respiratory problems. To his return, at the Golden Gala in Rome, he finished only eighth and during the final rehearsal before the Olympics, in Zurich, he was beaten by Bernard Lagat. It's an earthquake, El Guerrouj was unbeaten since the Olympic final in Sydney, is not less than 29 consecutive wins. Do this more ultra overbearing, so much so that doubts as to its participation in the Athens Olympics in 2004.
The spirit of competition taking over, he still goes to Greece, where it all began for him with the first of his four world titles in the 1500m. In Olympic 1500m final, he repeated the same pattern race in Sydney by taking over the race lead after 800m, although the passage of time is much slower (2'01''93). Bernard Lagat, third in Sydney, closely following him. In the end the final bend, the Kenyan shifts to double and slightly exceeds 50m from the line. The defeat of El Guerrouj in Sydney seems to repeat. Hicham suddenly found the strength to cross the line as the winner. He then kneels to kiss the track and thank Allah. Lagat hugs to congratulate him. Hicham can not hold back his tears, he finally has after which he would run from the beginning of his career. A relief !
Hicham El
Guerrouj finally Olympic champion over 1500m before Bernard Lagat
He can then launch an assault on a 1500m-5000m double only Paavo Nurmi has achieved 80 years earlier, in 1924 in Paris. In the Olympic final of the 5000m, there are the three medalists of world Paris, Kipchoge, El Guerrouj and Bekele. This time the race is much slower, bodes well for Hicham has a vested interest in the race is launched as far as possible. Neither Eliud Kipchoge nor Kenenisa Bekele will take responsibility and everything will play in the final round. Kipchoge launches the final sprint away and Bekele is the head 200m from the goal. El Guerrouj, who never panicked, took the lead 50m from the finish and never let go. The Moroccan loop his last lap in 52 '' to win in front 13'14''39 Bekele and Kipchoge 13'14''59, 13'15''10. And two nodded Hicham passing the line! As if a single Olympic victory was not enough. His Olympic fate will be kept waiting until 2004 to finally reach the Olympic gold. The value of its Lagat and Bekele proves Hicham dolphin is great Hicham is very large, to use Patrick's comments Montel.
He can then launch an assault on a 1500m-5000m double only Paavo Nurmi has achieved 80 years earlier, in 1924 in Paris. In the Olympic final of the 5000m, there are the three medalists of world Paris, Kipchoge, El Guerrouj and Bekele. This time the race is much slower, bodes well for Hicham has a vested interest in the race is launched as far as possible. Neither Eliud Kipchoge nor Kenenisa Bekele will take responsibility and everything will play in the final round. Kipchoge launches the final sprint away and Bekele is the head 200m from the goal. El Guerrouj, who never panicked, took the lead 50m from the finish and never let go. The Moroccan loop his last lap in 52 '' to win in front 13'14''39 Bekele and Kipchoge 13'14''59, 13'15''10. And two nodded Hicham passing the line! As if a single Olympic victory was not enough. His Olympic fate will be kept waiting until 2004 to finally reach the Olympic gold. The value of its Lagat and Bekele proves Hicham dolphin is great Hicham is very large, to use Patrick's comments Montel.
Hicham El
Guerrouj took the double 1500-5000m like Paavo Nurmi
After his double in Athens, El Guerrouj won everything in the 1,500 meters and looking for new challenges. "In 2005, I was a big goal, beat the world record in the 5,000. He is huge. Said Aouita had put in 12'58, Kenenisa Bekele has placed this year in 12'37, it will be hard to get it and it would be nice to succeed. " Then we think he can even go to the Olympics in Beijing 2008, at the age of 33 years. But the child Berkane loses the flame can no longer inflict terrible suffering of the drive. His fitness down and forfeits world Helsinki. He thought at that time to make his farewell tour on rallies around the world in 2006. But finally May 22, 2006, Hicham El Guerrouj, very moved, announces its athletic retirement. His coach Abdelkader Kada said his colt "has no fitness or strength training at this level of competition and winning. He had to bid farewell to the track. "
After his double in Athens, El Guerrouj won everything in the 1,500 meters and looking for new challenges. "In 2005, I was a big goal, beat the world record in the 5,000. He is huge. Said Aouita had put in 12'58, Kenenisa Bekele has placed this year in 12'37, it will be hard to get it and it would be nice to succeed. " Then we think he can even go to the Olympics in Beijing 2008, at the age of 33 years. But the child Berkane loses the flame can no longer inflict terrible suffering of the drive. His fitness down and forfeits world Helsinki. He thought at that time to make his farewell tour on rallies around the world in 2006. But finally May 22, 2006, Hicham El Guerrouj, very moved, announces its athletic retirement. His coach Abdelkader Kada said his colt "has no fitness or strength training at this level of competition and winning. He had to bid farewell to the track. "
The legacy of
weight that leaves Hicham El Guerrouj
Today IOC member Hicham El Guerrouj still closely following everything that happens in the world of athletics. Statistically, the career of Hicham El Guerrouj has since 1996 been marked by 84 victories in 89 races of 1500m or mile. So it's no surprise if the athlete with the most grand slams in Golden League with victories in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002. On a timing standpoint, Hicham increased to 33 times under the 3'30 including 5 times in the 3'26, can you imagine! Beyond the domination Sergei Bubka, it has revolutionized the way to run the 1500m in major championship. As noted by Jean-Michel Dirringer, coach Mehdi Baala, "The bottom half is like cycling: run before, it's a handicap. Hicham before in the big races, the favorites did not put the nose out before the last 500 meters or 400. He took command after the first 800 meters. You had to be very hard to do that. " More than his titles, it is this impression that Hicham leave the middle distance. As for his phenomenal record in the 1500m and the mile, they are not about to be beaten ...
Video of his world record in the 1,500 meters in 3'26''00, July 14, 1998 in Rome.
Personal records:
800m 1: 47.18
1000m 2: 16.85
1500m 3: 26.00 (Record of the modern world)
Mile 3: 43.13 (Record of the modern world)
2000m 4: 44.79 (Record of the modern world)
3000m 7: 23.09
5000m 12: 50.24
If he had to choose five things about Hicham El Guerrouj:
- Finally became Olympic champion in Athens in 2004 after a final fall in 1996 and a finish too short face Noah Ngeny in 2000.
- Lined 1500-5000m at the Athens Olympics, as Paavo Nurmi in 1924 in Paris.
- Four consecutive titles of world champion in the 1500m in Athens (again!) In 1997, Seville in 1999 and Edmonton in 2001 and Paris in 2003.
- World record in the 1500m 3'26''00 in Rome on 14 July 1998.
- A completed the grand slam of the Golden League in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
Today IOC member Hicham El Guerrouj still closely following everything that happens in the world of athletics. Statistically, the career of Hicham El Guerrouj has since 1996 been marked by 84 victories in 89 races of 1500m or mile. So it's no surprise if the athlete with the most grand slams in Golden League with victories in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002. On a timing standpoint, Hicham increased to 33 times under the 3'30 including 5 times in the 3'26, can you imagine! Beyond the domination Sergei Bubka, it has revolutionized the way to run the 1500m in major championship. As noted by Jean-Michel Dirringer, coach Mehdi Baala, "The bottom half is like cycling: run before, it's a handicap. Hicham before in the big races, the favorites did not put the nose out before the last 500 meters or 400. He took command after the first 800 meters. You had to be very hard to do that. " More than his titles, it is this impression that Hicham leave the middle distance. As for his phenomenal record in the 1500m and the mile, they are not about to be beaten ...
Video of his world record in the 1,500 meters in 3'26''00, July 14, 1998 in Rome.
Personal records:
800m 1: 47.18
1000m 2: 16.85
1500m 3: 26.00 (Record of the modern world)
Mile 3: 43.13 (Record of the modern world)
2000m 4: 44.79 (Record of the modern world)
3000m 7: 23.09
5000m 12: 50.24
If he had to choose five things about Hicham El Guerrouj:
- Finally became Olympic champion in Athens in 2004 after a final fall in 1996 and a finish too short face Noah Ngeny in 2000.
- Lined 1500-5000m at the Athens Olympics, as Paavo Nurmi in 1924 in Paris.
- Four consecutive titles of world champion in the 1500m in Athens (again!) In 1997, Seville in 1999 and Edmonton in 2001 and Paris in 2003.
- World record in the 1500m 3'26''00 in Rome on 14 July 1998.
- A completed the grand slam of the Golden League in 1998, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
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