Famous Moroccan Athletes

Saïd Aouita is a former Moroccan track and field athlete known for his exceptional achievements in middle and long-distance running. He made history by being the only athlete to win medals in both the 800 meters and 5000 meters at the Olympic Games. Aouita claimed victory in the 5000 meters at the 1984 Summer Olympics and the 1987 World Championships in Athletics, as well as the 3000 meters at the 1989 IAAF World Indoor Championships. He held multiple world records in distances ranging from 1500 meters to 5000 meters.

Nawal El Moutawakel is a Moroccan former hurdler who achieved international fame by winning the inaugural women's 400 meters hurdles event at the 1984 Summer Olympics, becoming the first Moroccan to win an Olympic gold medal. In 2007, she was appointed as the Minister of Sports in Morocco, showcasing her commitment to sports development in her country. Throughout her career, El Moutawakel has been a trailblazer for women in sports, inspiring others with her achievements and dedication to athletic excellence.

Soufiane El Bakkali is a prominent Moroccan runner known for his expertise in the 3000 metres steeplechase event. He achieved significant success in various prestigious competitions, including winning the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020 and securing gold at the World Athletics Championships in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he earned silver at the World Championships in 2017 and bronze in 2019. El Bakkali's remarkable achievements also include winning the Diamond League championship in 2022 and achieving notable placements at the African Games and Championships.

Nezha Bidouane is a retired Moroccan track and field hurdler known for her specialization in the 400 metres hurdles. She achieved significant success in her career, winning gold medals at the 1997 and 2001 World Championships, as well as a silver medal in 1999 where she set an African record time. Additionally, she earned a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Games. Bidouane continues to contribute to the athletic community by overseeing the annual Women's Race to Victory 8K road race in Rabat.

Khalid Skah is a renowned Moroccan track and field athlete known for his impressive career achievements. He gained recognition as a successful cross country runner, winning the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in consecutive years. Skah's career peaked when he clinched the gold medal in the 10,000 meters event at the 1992 Summer Olympics, solidifying his status as a top athlete in the sport. His dedication, talent, and hard work have left a lasting legacy in the world of track and field.

Rashid Ramzi is a former track and field athlete who competed internationally for Bahrain in the 800 meters and 1500 meters. He achieved significant success in the Asian athletics scene, winning gold medals at championships and setting records. Ramzi made history by becoming the first man to win both the 800m and 1500m events at the 2005 World Championships in Athletics. Despite doping allegations and subsequent disqualification, he made a mark in the sport with notable achievements and medals at various competitions.

Reda Abdalaati Iguider is a Moroccan runner known for his expertise in the 1500 metres event. He has achieved significant success in his career, including winning a bronze medal at the London Olympic Games and becoming the 2012 World Indoor Champion in the same event. Iguider holds an impressive personal best time of 3:28:79 over 1500 metres, making him one of the fastest runners in history over that distance. His accomplishments also include winning the 1500m event at the 2012 World Indoor Championships.

Hicham El Guerrouj is a retired Moroccan middle-distance runner known for holding world records in the 1500 meters, mile, and 2000 meters. He is the only athlete since Paavo Nurmi to win gold in both the 1500m and 5000 meters at the same Olympics. Widely regarded as the greatest middle-distance runner in history, El Guerrouj won multiple gold medals at World Athletics Championships and was named World Athlete of the Year three times. He was inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame in 2014.

Brahim Boulami, a Moroccan athlete, achieved significant success in the 3,000 meter steeplechase, setting a world record with a time of 7:55.28. However, his record was later nullified due to a positive test for the banned substance EPO, resulting in a two-year ban. Despite this setback, his time remains one of the fastest ever recorded in the event. Boulami's professional career is marked by his achievements in the steeplechase, albeit overshadowed by the doping controversy that marred his legacy.