"King of the Mile" Hicham El Guerrouj Interviewed
2005-05-13
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.
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خالد اليعقوبي Posted 2006-09-19
I am a Moroccan runner in the Chabab Al Hay Al Husni club. In reality I have benefited a lot from this forum. Thanks to it I learned a lot about our great hero and my role model Hicham El Guerrouj. God willing I will follow in his footsteps.
taha Posted 2006-09-25
Your site is nice. I'm an athlete.
khalid el yaakoubi Posted 2006-09-28
Once again, thank you guys for publishing my comments about our great hero how deserves more praise for the staunch efforts he made for our athletics. His retirement as much painful as it is should be an incentive for us to move forward and complement what he started tirelessly so as to keep the Moroccan flag continously blowing in international meets. Thank you
bachir el mtougui Posted 2006-10-06
Who will report on Moroccan sports?
khalid el yaakubi Posted 2006-10-12
In reply to Bachir, Moroccan sport is proud to have born champions like Gerrouj and great athletes. Let me tell you my brother that every ascendant has a descendent and God does not waste the recompense of good doers. And we still dream to be the best descendants of the best ascendants.
sara Posted 2006-10-15
I really like this interview, and I want to say that I also love sports, and especially running. Thank you. I would like more interviews like this one, please.
دينار عبد الوهاب Posted 2006-10-21
Greetings! I am a Moroccan runner and I am proud of our aspiring Hicham Al Gherrouj I wish him a healthy and long life. Dinar Abdelouahab.
عبدالقادر Posted 2006-10-27
Hisham El Guerrouj is a unique phenomenon. I wish he is assigned to a leading job in sports in Morocco because he is an insider and a true Moroccan!
mohammed tahri Posted 2006-11-01
I am happy.
souhaib Posted 2006-11-15
Al Garrouj is a world champion. After his retirement, Morocco will certainly find a replacement!
Adidouch Aziz Posted 2006-11-16
I like Hicham Algrouje very much and I hope there will be someone replace him.
رفيق Posted 2006-11-17
El Guerrouj is a historical runner!
مجمد بن الطالب Posted 2006-11-20
It is a great honor to provide a comment on this great interview...he is a Moroccan hero who has demonstrated the ability to make a dream come true and raise the Moroccan flag high...as a young man from Morocco that always aspiring to attain the better...I thank you Hicham or we thank you rather...contratulations for Morocco to have you and congratulations for you to have Morocco as your country!
محمد رجاوي Posted 2006-11-21
I am a Moroccan runner who takes great pride in providing a humble opinion on running. Hicham Al Guerrouj is indeed one of the Moroccan runners who have demonstrated the importance of Morocco in such sport categories. He is worthy of a role model for us all!
زكرياء لنبوعي Posted 2006-11-25
When was Hisham El Guerrouj born?
anissa almekaoui Posted 2006-12-13
Hello Hicham Algerouj. I am happy for you.
هشام أحسان Posted 2006-12-16
In the name of God, the beneficent, the merciful. Hicham El Guerrouj is the role model of Moroccan athletes in the world. This is an honor..I ask this champion to help promote athletics in Morocco. Peace
hicham aftiss Posted 2006-12-25
Peace be upon you! dear fellow Moroccans, I am just like any young man aspiring to achieve his dreams as an athlete. After the name El Guerrouj entered my registry, I became a big fan of this sport. But the fact that I am in an isolated area where no sporting events are held (Menzal Sefrou Community) I have not been given a chance to demonstrate my abilities. I wish El Guerrouj organizes events here. I am 19 years old!
nadia Posted 2006-12-31
Hello magharebia. I want to thank you for giving us lots of information about athletes, especially about Hicham El Guerrouj.
ayoub Posted 2007-01-07
Congratulations, Hicham.
soufiane Posted 2007-01-12
dima dima raja
mohamed Posted 2007-01-13
Online several days ago, good luck Hicham!
abdelilah et abdelkaml Posted 2007-02-09
I am very happy that we have many champs like Hicham ElGuerrouj whom I consider the king of Athletics. I wish I become like him one day!
abdelkaml and abdelilah Posted 2007-02-09
In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful and blessings and prayers of God be upon his beloved Prophet. I am very happy that our beloved homeland has great champion like Hicham ElGuerrouj and others. I wish to become a champ with the Grace of God!
محمد رضواني Posted 2007-02-11
I wish I am like him so that the flag of Morocco is high!
نزار Posted 2007-03-01
You should be chairman of the Royal Moroccan Federation of Athletics.
شيماء Posted 2007-03-08
My congratulations to you Hicham, I wish you success.
مراد اهلال Posted 2007-03-21
Hicham El Guerrouj is a great athlete
حفيظ--------------الناضوري Posted 2007-04-06
Hicham El Guerrouj is the king of Arab sport the name which will never be forgotten Hicham El Guerrouj is the runner who has raised the flag of Morocco more than one time.
pierre Posted 2007-04-14
Hicham and Said are great champions, and Morocco is a promised land for athletics [URL removed.]
mouad Posted 2007-04-15
Excellent
mustapha boumhaout Posted 2007-04-29
Thank you Hicham for all these achievements you have fulfilled in the athletic field, I wish to be like you as I'm a runner.
محمد Posted 2007-05-04
I am a fan of Hicham El Guerrouj so much and I hope that a suitable star will emerge inchallah
youssef chouar Posted 2007-06-04
I'm a runner in the 1500m, and I hold a record of 3:58. I love Hicham El Guerrouj
خا لد حموش Posted 2007-07-02
I wish from God to be like El guerrouj and beat his record 3.26 in 1500 m.
saad Posted 2007-08-16
Morocco will never forget Hicham as he has honoured us.
hamza Posted 2007-08-30
I hope from God to take the place of El Guerrouj and beat his record 3.26 in the distance of 1500.
عزيز بوجدي Posted 2007-09-16
I challenge the whole world...I'm a runner from Essaouira, I'm 17 and I'm a champion in my region.
khadija Posted 2007-10-01
Interview with Hicham Guerrouj, yeah that's it.
omar nakal Posted 2007-10-03
Very bad.
issam Posted 2007-10-16
I hope to become like you inchallah Hicham El Guerrouj.
moussaid fatima Posted 2007-10-30
Thank you, Hicham El Guerrouj. I want to be like you.
majda hilali Posted 2007-11-18
I love you so much, Hicham. You are our champion. I wish you the best of luck.
مساعد فاطمة الزهراء من مدينة مريرتاقليم خنيفرة Posted 2007-11-19
Hi, I'm a runner and want to contribute in this forum. I love El Guerrouj and dream to become like him inchallah. I love running to the point of sacrificing my life for it (sport). My dream is to become like El Guerrouj and raise the flag of Morocco inside and outside the nation. I'll always be faithful to my country and love my sport.
محمد Posted 2007-11-23
I'm proud of Moroccan sports in all its disciplines, especially athletics. Thank you.
mouhamade issa Posted 2007-12-03
I'm Mohamed from Mrirt I wish to Hicham El Guerrouj to come back to his distances because he's still strong and there's no one in 1500 in the Olympics. I hope that he will come back because we want him to play even if 3 years 25
كمال Posted 2007-12-10
I love El Guerrouj and hope to be like El Guerrouj and become a champion- I'm in a very nice region Azilall.
adil Posted 2007-12-20
Thank you all, Adil from Marrakech, the prince of Marrakech and “the Prince of the Mile.”
sara Posted 2008-01-02
Thank you, Hicham El Guerrouj. I want to be like you. I love you so much. You are like a father to me.
ANTIBUSH Posted 2008-01-03
A site sponsored by the U.S. Army! Quite suspicious.
koman Posted 2008-01-18
Hi to all Moroccans. Don't worry, the replacement for the winner of the 3’24” is here. Wait for me in 2010. Morocco forever.
meziane maram Posted 2008-02-05
Long live Morocco!!!!
lrzi lmlih Posted 2008-02-14
I, lrazi lmlih, want to be like Hicham Al Garouj in the future 2.
abdilwahab Posted 2008-02-24
I’m Abdelwahab from Essaouita. I wish to our champion Hicham a happy life after a victorious track. We Moroccan young people always have our hope, will, love for sport and love for the nation. We all hope to see the best substitutes for the best ascendants… The talented who is haunted by athletics, Abdelwahab.
mohammadi kharrat Posted 2008-02-28
Sports are my life!
khalid bnourzik Posted 2008-03-09
God’s peace on all of you. My name is Khalid. I am 20. I am fond of athletics. My dream is to become one day a holder of the national flag but I need help.
sofia lhajbia Posted 2008-03-12
My name is Sofia. I am very happy about and grateful for this important information about you, Hicham.
ayoub tamri Posted 2008-03-18
This is a good, good, good, good, good website. But, you made a mistake: "rêvé" should be "rêver" hahahahaha.
abde lali Posted 2008-03-24
Salam. I am Abdelali Kouiyf, I am a runner in the Mzabe athletics association. I wish to fulfil my dreams like you Hicham. Can you give me an advice please? I wish you good health and wellness.
ABDELALI KOIYF Posted 2008-03-25
Thank you Hicham Guerrouj. Abdelali Koiyf.
Anonymous Posted 2008-05-09
I am Abdelmajid, a runner in Amal Safi Club for athletism in 1500 m. I wish success to all runners. Thank you Hicham for everything you offered to Morocco.
حمادي Posted 2008-05-11
I am Hamadi from the Olympique Safi Club, a runner in 100m. I wish success to all the runners in Morocco. Thank you.
Anonymous Posted 2008-05-20
I am Abdlmjid, athlete in 1500m. Thank you Hicham, Club Amal Sud Safi.
عزيز رشيد Posted 2008-06-08
Thank you Hicham for your seriousness and raising the national flag high in all parts of the world. This is a runner from the city of Safi in the distances of 1500 and 3000 km. I hope that you will share your experience with us Hicham. Thank you.
bernard Posted 2008-07-09
I am French and my only role model is Hicham. He is the one who gave me the passion to run and the will to win. I run the 1000m, 1500m and 3000m.
amine Posted 2008-07-16
Hi to all the athletes! Okay, so Hichak El Guerrouj is Morocco’s best athlete. Personally, I love this athlete. I am a an athlete myself, from Itihad in Fez. This is why I really like El Guerrouj. He is the best of all our champions ever. El Guerrouj IS Morocco!
balkasmi foad Posted 2008-07-17
I am a runner. I was born in 1993 specializing in the distance of 1000m and 1500m. I have a good timing. Therefore, I want to say to Hicham El Guerrouj to visit the city of Eastern Laayoune because he used to train there. Thank you for accepting this request.
el mustapha el bouziani Posted 2008-08-14
Hicham El Guerrouj is an example for all of us Moroccans. He was a great ambassador for us and he was a great teacher for all our young Moroccans. He will remain in the hearts of all the Moroccans! I am proud to be Moroccan!
tahiri mohamede Posted 2008-08-16
I am a young Moroccan, age 20. I love sports. Do you want to give me any advice, my brother Hicham? Thank you, Hicham.
عصام تلزبن Posted 2008-08-22
Thank you Hicham for your seriousness, determination and lifting the national flag very high all over the world. I am a runner from the city of Safi in 1500 and 3000. Please share with us your experience Hicham. Thank you.
عصام بلحاج Posted 2008-08-22
I am Issam from the city of Fez. I am 16. I am the best runner in the street where I live. I want you to help me in order to become a world runner God willing. Thank you. I thank you Hicham El Guerrouj, the great world champion. Thank you. Hicham El Guerrouj is the king of Arab sports. The name which will never be forgotten. Hicham El Guerrouj is the runner who has lifted the flag of Morocco more than one time.
michelle Posted 2008-08-26
i think that Hicham is not all that. i mean sure he is an athlete but it's not like he save lives or anything so he's not that big of a deal. there are more important people besides him like Barack Obama.
anass baalane Posted 2008-09-20
I like this hero. He is the king a thousand times over. He is truly super. I would like to be him. He is my example.
oumaima Posted 2008-10-15
I like Hicham El Guerrouj so much.
mehamed Posted 2008-10-19
Hi Hicham- How is it going?
محمد Posted 2008-10-21
You are a champion and the first in Morocco and the world.
najat Posted 2008-10-25
Pride to the sons of the country.
عبد الله الجمعه من السعوديه - مضر Posted 2008-11-03
I am a runner from Saudi Arabia 1500, 3000 metres hurdles. Abdellah El Jomaa, club of Madar. I wish success to Hicham El Guerrouj in his career. I hope to be a champion like Hicham.
عبدو Posted 2008-11-15
I am a runner from Kasba de Tadla. I train in the association Sounboula for athletics in Kasba de Tadla. I wish to become a world champion, lift the flag of Morocco in other countries and honour Kasba de Tadla.
سارة Posted 2008-11-23
More information.
amined Posted 2008-12-01
I love this article! Yay! Yay!
ابراهيم Posted 2008-12-02
Hi. I am Brahim Berhoum from the city of Salé. I am a runner, I am 16. My ambition is to become like you and raise the flag of Morocco. God willing.
fatiha Posted 2008-12-19
I thank athletes especially Hicham El Guerrouj.
شكوري محمد Posted 2009-01-19
I am a runner from Casablanca. I train with Najm Chabab of Casablanca for Athletics. I hope to become a world champion and lift the flag of Morocco in other countries and honour Casablanca.
monsif lafrithi Posted 2009-01-24
I am Monsif and I have always been fascinated by the great achievements of Hicham Elgarouj.
اسلام سليم Posted 2009-01-24
We must be proud to have this champion. I ask God to be like him. God willing I will beat this world record if I have the opportunity.
ghita Posted 2009-02-08
Hi- I really liked this interview. Personally, I really liked finding an interview with the great champion Hicham El Guerrouj and the sports magazine he is representing.
3adil braa3ich Posted 2009-02-18
I will become a big runner in 2010. I will break the world record in honour of Hicham El Guerrouj and in honour of the people of Twaza from their youngest to the oldest.
abdelbast ettabbai Posted 2009-02-22
In the name of God the most gracious the most merciful. Peace be upon the most honourable messenger. I am very happy because our nice Morocco has great champions such as Hicham El Guerrouj and others. I hope to become a champion God willing. I am Abdelbaset from the city of Beni Mellal. But I am now in Greece. I practise this sport which I consider to be the best sport for me. Hicham is my role model in this field. I am now with a Greek club but my heart is Moroccan. I dream, and wish God will help me and everyone, to lift the Moroccan flag. Thank you very much for this site.
amine Posted 2009-02-27
May God protect you Hicham. You have never disappointed Morocco. May God give you a bag of money. I say Amen, Amine from Fes.
yassine Posted 2009-04-21
I hope to be like Hicham El Guerrouj. I hope that someone provides me with trainings of El Guerrouj. I am proud of him because he belongs to my country.
majdoulin Posted 2009-05-12
Hicham is the best runner. He honoured Morocco, Arab and Muslim countries. We hope from God that other champions will come after Hicham in the same level and lift the flag of Morocco high.
mohammed garmali Posted 2009-06-20
In the name of God the Beneficent the Merciful. Peace and prayer be upon the most honourable messenger. I am a Moroccan athlete. I love this champion. He is the champion a thousand times. He is really great. I am sure that there will be no one like him.
monsif lafrithi Posted 2009-07-30
I am an athlete in the royal army. I ask God to become like this champion. I have always dreamt to reach his level, Hicham El Guerrouj. Peace of God be upon you.
يعقوب نايلي Posted 2009-09-14
I am Algerian, I consider the great runner Hicham El Guerrouj the giant of the giants. I am sorry for what happened in the Olympic of Atlanta by the runner Morsli Noureddine.
simohamad Posted 2009-09-16
I love you, Hicham El Guerrouj. You are my friend. Thank you. Hi.
abdelhadi Posted 2009-09-30
Azul to you my brother Hicham. I thank you very much. I am one of the people who love you. I hope to God to be like you in future, God willing. Kind greetings.
chouchou Posted 2009-10-01
Thank you, Hicham.
Salwa Posted 18 days ago
Hicham El Guerrouj- You are the great champion of Morocco. I am very happy for you.
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