Hicham El Guerrouj: Legend and symbol of Moroccan athletics
An exceptional journey
Born on September 14, 1974 in Berkane, a town in northeastern Morocco, Hicham El Guerrouj grew up in a modest family where he discovered his passion for running at an early age, often running with his classmates in the streets of his hometown. His sporting potential was quickly spotted, and he joined the ranks of the local athletics club, where he distinguished himself through his natural talent and determination. In 1992, at the age of 18, El Guerrouj left Berkane to join the national training center in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. This decision was a crucial turning point in his career, as it enabled him to train alongside the country's top athletes and with internationally renowned coaches. It was at this center that he began to specialize in middle-distance races, particularly the 1,500 meters, a discipline that would soon establish him as a legend.
His international career really began in 1995, when he took part in the World Athletics Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden. Although he didn't win a medal that year, his performances attracted the attention of experts, who saw in him an athlete of immense potential. The following year, at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, El Guerrouj caused a sensation by reaching the final of the 1,500-meter race. However, a fall in the final meters of the race prevented him from realizing his medal hopes. This disappointment was a turning point in Hicham El Guerrouj's career. Determined not to let this setback stop him, he doubled his efforts and devoted himself entirely to training with extraordinary rigor and discipline. And so began a series of impressive victories, quickly becoming the undisputed master of the middle distance. From 1997 to 2004, El Guerrouj dominated his discipline and set several world records, including those for the 1,500 meters, the mile and the 2,000 meters, records which still stand to this day.
A symbol for Morocco and athletics
Hicham El Guerrouj is much more than an exceptional athlete; he embodies resilience and national pride at a time when Morocco is facing a number of economic and social challenges. In the 1990s and 2000s, Morocco underwent a period of economic transformation. The country was striving to diversify its economy, which for many years had been driven by agriculture, by investing in sectors such as industry, tourism and infrastructure. However, unemployment, particularly among young people, remains high, reaching around 20% in some regions. This has led to a feeling of uncertainty and a search for hope among the population, particularly among young people looking for models of success and perseverance.
In this context, Hicham El Guerrouj has become an emblematic figure, offering much more than exceptional sporting performance. For many Moroccans, he symbolizes the ability to overcome obstacles through hard work, discipline and determination. By breaking world records and winning gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, El Guerrouj showed that success is possible even in a country of limited means. His impact extends far beyond the sporting arena. He embodies the idea that Morocco can shine on the international stage, not only as a nation of talented athletes, but also as a country capable of producing leaders and champions in every field.
Morocco, the new flagship of athletics
As we all know, Hicham El Guerrouj has had a profound impact on the development of athletics in Morocco, helping to popularize the sport across the country. Building on his achievements, Morocco has seen a veritable explosion of interest in athletics, with huge numbers of new youngsters aspiring to follow in his footsteps. This momentum has prompted the Moroccan government to invest heavily in sports infrastructure and training programs to meet the growing demand and nurture new talent.
In terms of infrastructure, Morocco has made great progress in recent years. By 2022, the country will have more than 400 athletics tracks throughout the country, compared with just 150 ten years ago. This development has been supported by the construction of modern stadiums and training centers in the country's main cities, notably Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech and Agadir. The Prince Moulay Abdellah sports complex in Rabat is one of the best examples of these efforts, offering world-class training and competition facilities. The number of athletes registered with Moroccan athletics clubs has also risen significantly. By 2023, there will be around 20,000 registered athletes, including over 5,000 women, compared with less than 8,000 in 2010. This growth is largely due to local initiatives to promote athletics from an early age, with school programs and regional competitions encouraging youth participation.
In terms of ambitions, no complexes, Morocco aims to become a world reference in the middle and long distance disciplines, where the country already has a long tradition of success. The government, in partnership with the Fédération Royale Marocaine d'Athlétisme (FRMA), has put in place a 10-year strategic plan to improve the performance of Moroccan athletes on the international stage. This plan includes increasing the budget allocated to athletics, which has doubled over the past five years to 50 million dirhams (around $5 million) per year. It's also thanks to this that athletes such as Soufiane El Bakkali were able to win a gold medal in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021 and again in 2024. Inspired by legends such as Hicham El Guerrouj, he has demonstrated Moroccan excellence in athletics.
Hicham El Guerrouj, though now retired, remains a living legend of athletics and a source of inspiration for Morocco. His legacy goes beyond medals and records; he embodies perseverance, excellence and the desire to overcome challenges. His exemplary career continues to motivate young athletes to pursue their dreams and reach the highest heights.
Sources :
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hicham_El_Guerrouj
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOrVlsGQgFo
