Sydney Games: Morocco's El-Guerrouj Wins 1,500 M silver
Morocco, Sports, 9/29/2000

Morocco's Hicham El-Guerrouj on Friday failed to win the gold medal of 1,500 m, his favorite distance where he holds the world mark.

The Moroccan, apparently under great pressure for being Morocco's sole hope to glean gold in Sydney, was controlling the race that he led until the final 20 meters, when he was outpaced by young Kenyan Noah N'Genyi.

El-Guerrouj ranked second, with 3:32.32, leaving the first place to his apparent successor, N'Genyi, who clocked 3:32.07. The Bronze medal went to another Kenyan Bernard Lagat with 3:32.44.

"Unfortunately, this was not a lucky day for me," said El-Guerrouj after the race. "I tried to go fast on the basis of the world record (3:26.00). I was feeling a great pressure on me. I was looking forward to winning the gold medal. I am disappointed, but this how sports go," he said.

Despite the defeat, the Moroccan said he remains confident and promised more feasts on 1,500 and 5,000 m. "I am able to beat all world records from 1,500 m to 5,000 m," he said, adding that he leaves "the throne" to N'guenyi.

N'Gueneyi said "Hicham is a formidable racer. Today I did not beat him, I only won an Olympic title."

The 1,500 m gold has once again escaped Morocco. Even the legendary Said Aouita, who dominated in the 1980's the field and track from the 800 m to the 10,000 m, failed to bring home this distance's top Olympic title.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco's El-Guerrouj candidate for Owens International Trophy   (1/6/2000)
  Morocco's El-Guerrouj wins French prize   (12/21/1999)
  IAAF Ratifies El-Guerrouj's World Record   (12/16/1999)

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