El Guerrouj retires

Monday, 22, May 2006 10:02

Moroccan middle-distance runner Hicham El Guerrouj has announced he is to retire from athletics.

The 31-year-old is considered to be one of the greatest athletes of all time, winning two Olympic titles, four world titles and three world indoor golds at 1,500m and 5,000m.

However, the Moroccan has not raced since the Athens Olympics because of injury and he has decided to end his career now to spend more time with his family.

"I am quitting competition but I hope the authorities and Moroccan athletes will continue to work so Moroccan athletics continues to be strong," El Guerrouj told a press conference in Casablanca.

"I have no willingness or motivation to continue competing and I thank all those who have accompanied me throughout my career."

El Guerrouj is the current world record holder over 1,500m, a time which has stood unbroken for eight years, and he became the first man since 1924 to win both the men's 1,500m and 5,000m at the 2004 Olympics.

The Moroccan is also a representative for the International Olympic Committee, Unicef and the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)

The IAAF president Lamine Diack paid tribute to him, saying that he wanted him to become part of the organisation's ambassador team.

"He has brightened up the athletics' world with his excellent performances, impressed with his elegant running style, and drawn gasps because of his determination to always push back the boundaries of his own limits," Diack said in a statement.

"But what I want to remember about his exemplary career is not only his multiple records, world records and other hard-earned honours, but above all else, his generosity and kindness as a human being."

El Guerrouj also holds the world record over 2,000m and indoors at 1,500m.