Noureddine Morceli

Noureddine Morceli was the world’s top miler in the first half of the 1990s. Coached by his brother Abderrahmane, a former Olympian, Morceli began his dominance of the 1,500 m in 1990. He set the best year performance six years in a row, and broke the world record twice, holding it from 1992 through 1998. He also won three World Championship titles in a row, in 1991, 1993 and 1995, also adding the 1991 indoor title. His greatest disappointment came at the 1992 Olympics, where he placed only seventh in the final as the top favorite. But Morceli made up for that at the 1996 Olympics, winning the gold after having been undefeated in the 1,500 m for four years. It also marked the highpoint in his career, being eclipsed by Hicham El Guerrouj afterwards. Morceli was world ranked #1 for seven consecutive years – 1990-96. Since his retirement from active competition he has worked in sports administration at the national and international levels, including roles with the IOC and the African Games.

Personal Best: 800 – 1:44.79; 1500 – 3:27.37 (1995); Mile – 3:44.39; 5000 – 13:03.85.