"King of the Mile" Hicham El Guerrouj Interviewed
13/05/2005
Inspired in his youth by the track exploits of Moroccan countryman Said Aouita, Hicham El Guerrouj dedicated himself to running excellence. The world record holder at 1500m, the mile and 2000m is considered the greatest middle distance runner in the world currently and perhaps of all time.
 [File] A dream finally come true |
Though the winner of numerous world championships at 1500m, Olympic gold once eluded El Guerrouj as he fell in the 1996 games and was nipped at the tape by Kenyan Noah Ngeny at the 2000 event. He exorcised his demons at the 2004 Athens games by finally winning gold in the 1500m and improbably coming back in the 5000m to out kick Kenenisa Bekele, a young Ethiopian phenom and world-record holder in the event. In an interview with Magharebia.com, El Guerrouj discusses his past achievements, current exploits and future plans.
Magharebia: When you were young, did you dream of being a world champion and "King of the Mile?"
Hicham El Guerrouj: I am still young! (laughter) When I was a kid, I never thought about becoming "King of the Mile" or getting so many medals, breaking records or being number one. But I loved to run. Maybe I started dreaming about being a champion in the days of Saïd Aouita [a former Moroccan champion] and when I started training more seriously.
Magharebia: What are the major obstacles you overcame in your career?
El Guerrouj: Finishing second in the Sydney Olympics back in 2000 was one of the saddest moments in my life, but it gave me more motivation, more courage and more determination. It took quite a while to recover because I felt I had disappointed Moroccan people, my fans. It was a great disappointment for me personally as well. I finally overcame it and waited impatiently for the next Olympics. In 2004, I won two gold medals to finally fulfill my dream. I felt a mix of great expectation, happiness and personal satisfaction I could hardly describe.
Magharebia: What advice would you give to young athletes?
El Guerrouj: Craving victory is a noble cause. Love of sport is important, but love of one's nation is essential because as a sportsman, you end up being an ambassador of your own country. Your family, friends and relatives hope for and expect a lot from you. Success takes a lot of love back towards all the people who count on you. Love for your country can be a powerful boost, more than you would first think. This would be my message to young athletes: love sports and love your country.
Magharebia: You recently supported projects to help the country's youth. Can you talk about this and why you think investing in young people is important?
El Guerrouj: Young people account for the vast majority of the Moroccan population. They represent one of the most precious assets of each and every country. This is the reason why I support young people in my country. I also support young athletes because I once was in their place and received support.
Magharebia: What are the new challenges you are looking for?
El Guerrouj: My priority is to deal with my family. I want to see my daughter grow up and see that she is well educated. Ensuring her happiness is a challenge by itself. That is why I will retire after the 2006 season.