Athletics is another sport in which Morocco excels. Since the 1980s, Moroccan athletes have left an indelible mark on international tracks. Their remarkable performances have helped Morocco build a reputation as a strong athletics nation.
The emblematic figure of Moroccan athletics is undoubtedly Saïd Aouita. This versatile athlete dominated middle- and long-distance races in the 1980s. His victory in the 5000 metres at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games marked the beginning of a series of successes for Morocco. Aouita also broke several world records, thus cementing his legend.
After Aouita, it was Hicham El Guerrouj who took over. A 1500 metres specialist, he is regarded as one of the greatest runners of all time. El Guerrouj won two gold medals at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, in the 1500 metres and the 5000 metres. He still holds the world record for the 1500 metres, the mile and the 2000 metres.
Morocco has also shone in long-distance events with athletes like Khalid Skah et Jaouad Gharib. Skah won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games in the 10,000 metres. Gharib, for his part, is a two-time world marathon champion (2003 and 2005) and an Olympic silver medallist at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Moroccan women are not left behind. Nawal El Moutawakel paved the way by becoming the first Arab and African woman to win an Olympic gold medal, at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, in the 400 metres hurdles. Her success inspired a generation of young female athletes. More recently, Hasna Benhassi and Zahra Ouaziz have also made their mark on Moroccan women’s athletics with their performances.
The Marathon des Sables, an extreme endurance race held in the Moroccan desert, is another example of Morocco’s commitment to athletics. This event attracts runners from around the world and highlights Moroccans’ ability to excel in extreme conditions.
Athletics in Morocco is supported by numerous initiatives aimed at developing local talent. Training programs are implemented across the country to identify and support promising young athletes. Sports infrastructures are also being modernized to offer better training conditions.
Moroccan athletics continues to shine thanks to its exceptional athletes and a tradition of performance that has endured for decades. Their feats inspire not only Moroccans but also the whole world.
