Explore Hicham El Guerrouj and Nawal El Moutawakel – The Greatest Moroccan Male and Female Athlete

Paul | December 3, 2023 | Morocco, Sports | No Comments

Hicham El Guerrouj is a retired Moroccan middle-distance and long-distance runner, widely considered one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time. He was born on September 14, 1974, in Berkane, Morocco. El Guerrouj is particularly known for his achievements in the 1500 meters and the mile, setting world records in both events.

Some key highlights of Hicham El Guerrouj’s career include:

1500-Meter World Record: On July 14, 1998, in Rome, Italy, El Guerrouj set the world record for the 1500 meters with a time of 3 minutes 26.00 seconds. This record still stands today.
Mile World Record: On July 7, 1999, in Rome, Italy, El Guerrouj set the world record for the mile with a time of 3 minutes 43.13 seconds. This record also remains unbeaten.
Double Gold at the 2004 Olympics: In the 2004 Athens Olympics, El Guerrouj won gold in both the 1500 meters and the 5000 meters, becoming the first man since 1924 to achieve this double.
Retirement: El Guerrouj retired from competitive athletics in 2006, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in history.

His sporting career is marked by numerous recognitions such as the award to humanitarian effort from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), which he received in 1996. He is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. El Guerrouj was named IAAF World Athlete of the Year in 2001, 2002 and 2003 after remaining unbeaten in more than 20 races, becoming the first man to win the award in consecutive years. He was also named best athlete of the year by the athletics journal Track and Field News in 2002. In 2003, he was elected as a member of the IAAF Athletes Committee.

On September 7, 2004, El Guerrouj was decorated with the “Cordon de Commandeur” by King Mohammed VI of Morocco. In the same year, he was awarded the Prince of Asturias Awards.

Hicham El Guerrouj’s records and achievements have solidified his place in the history of athletics. His success has made him a national hero in Morocco and an influential figure in the sport worldwide.

Nawal El Moutawakel – The Greatest Moroccan Female Athlete

Nawal El Moutawakel is a former Moroccan hurdler, and she gained international fame for her achievements in athletics. She was born on April 15, 1962, in Casablanca, Morocco. Nawal made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she became the first woman from an Arab or African nation to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics.

Nawal El Moutawakel competed in the 400 meters hurdles event and achieved her historic victory with a time of 54.61 seconds. Her groundbreaking achievement not only marked a significant milestone for Moroccan and African athletes but also inspired many women in the region to pursue careers in sports.

Following her athletic career, Nawal El Moutawakel has been actively involved in sports administration and various international organizations. She served on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and has been involved in promoting sports and advocating for women’s participation in athletics.

Nawal El Moutawakel’s contributions to sports and her pioneering achievements have made her a respected figure in the world of athletics and an inspiration for aspiring athletes, especially women, in the Arab and African regions.

In 2007, El Moutawakel was named the Minister of Sports in the upcoming cabinet of Morocco