Saïd Aouita was one of the most versatile middle and long distance runners, covering all distances between 800 and 10,000 metres. He achieved his greatest international success in the 5,000 metres, winning that event at the 1984 Olympics and the 1987 World Championships in Rome. He also became the first runner to go under 13 minutes, lowering the world record to 12:58.39. Aouita also set World Records in the 1,500, 2,000, and 3,000 metres and won the world indoor title over 3,000 metres in 1989. His career petered out after he missed the 1992 Olympics due to injury.
Personal Bests: 800 – 1:43.86 (1988); 1500 – 3:29.46 (1985); 5000 – 12:58.39 (1987).