Hicham El Guerrouj redefined middle-distance running with world records and historic Olympic double golds. Learn about the Moroccan legend and his incredible career.
Hicham El Guerrouj
Hicham El Guerrouj is widely regarded as the greatest middle-distance runner in history.
He holds the current world records for the 1500 meters and the mile.
El Guerrouj is the only man since Paavo Nurmi in 1924 to win Olympic gold in both the 1500m and 5000m at the same Games (Athens 2004).
He won gold medals in the 1500m and 5000m at the 2004 Olympics, after previously winning silver in the 1500m in Sydney 2000.
He holds one of the best records in middle-distance running, with six of the 10 fastest ever 1500m times.
El Guerrouj has won four consecutive World Championship titles in the 1500m (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003).
He was named World Athlete of the Year three times.
El Guerrouj’s racing style often involved a powerful finishing sprint, especially notable in Olympic finals.
He remains the only man to break 3:27 in the 1500m multiple times, having done so five times.
El Guerrouj also held the world record for the 2000m for a time.
He began his international career as a promising junior runner, making a major breakthrough in the mid-1990s.
El Guerrouj fell in the 1996 Olympic final when he was a favorite, but he came back stronger in future events.
His double gold in 2004 ended an 80-year wait for a man to win both events at the same Olympics.
In 2014, he was inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame, recognizing his career achievements.
Beyond athletics, El Guerrouj serves as a UNICEF ambassador, focusing on education and development in Morocco.
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