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Hicham El Guerrouj Quotes
born 1974 Morocco
Hicham El Guerrouj (born 14 September 1974) is a retired Moroccan middle-distance runner who is the current world record holder in the 1500 metres. He formerly held the world records in the 2000 metres and mile.
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Nevertheless I regularly continue training and I will let time decide my future.
The day I finish third or fourth, maybe then I’ll think about retiring. But not now. I love it too much!
When I got to Athens I had one and only target on my mind: achieve my goal and change my life. Change my life by becoming an Olympic champion. I deserved it.
In Sydney, the exact same thing happened.
It’s a tough record and a tough race. It’s a race that requires a lot of rhythm and a lot of intensity, and [Asbel] Kiprop has what it takes.
We have both defined our objectives - for me it is success at the Olympic Games whilst she wants to graduate with her Masters Degree.
I have made many sacrifices, I have always considered myself like a soldier serving for my homeland, I have offered to my country Olympic and World medals, I have smashed records.
But beware my pleasure on the track is only in finishing first. I don’t enjoy finishing second, third or fourth,” says El Guerrouj with a grin on his face.
I see myself as the true winner of the event. I lost only by the smallest of margins, four hundredths of a second, and, for me, my silver medal is the equivalent of gold.
He has the talent, he has the physique, his muscles are really thin, he has fluidity in his race. He is my favourite. I like his style, he is a great athlete!
This year I have been preparing specifically for the 1500m, the 1500m and the 1500m!
And when I was in Spain, I wasn’t concentrating at all. I spent all my time on the phone arranging my daughter’s naming, inviting people, making sure everything was perfect for this celebration.
I love this sport. It’s my passion, my pleasure. I love the track, I love being in a stadium, I love the pain in training and I want my pleasure to last for at least another two or three years.
Going to Athens 2004 reminds me of Athens 1997 where I won the first World title of my career. Now I still feel youthful and driven enough to renew this exploit and take two gold medals.
It was extremely hard for me to accept defeat, In fact, in 2001 when I resumed competing, it was difficult to find my motivation. I even thought about retiring.
Athens was intense, too intense.
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