Morceli, Noureddine

▪ 1995

      "I am gifted by God," Noureddine Morceli was frequently heard to say. By the end of 1994 the Algerian track star's accomplishments had reached proportions befitting his statement. In August, after breaking the outdoor world record for 3,000 m (7 min 25.11 sec), he could claim five middle-distance world records. The others were (outdoor) the 1,500 m (3 min 28.86 sec) and the mile (3 min 44.39 sec) and (indoor) the 1,000 m (2 min 15.26 sec) and the 1,500 m (3 min 34.16 sec).

      Morceli was named Athlete of the Year by Track & Field News in 1993 and 1994 and by the International Athletic Foundation in 1994. In that two-year period, he lost only once, at 800 m. As he set his sights on more records, most notably the 800-m, the 2,000-m, and 5,000-m events, his driving force was a deeply rooted dedication to bring glory to his country and Islam.

      Morceli and his twin sister, Zahia, were born Feb. 20, 1970, in Tenes, Alg. They and their seven siblings were raised in strict adherence to the tenets of Islam, and Morceli's religious devotion remained strong. During the sacred holy days of Ramadan he would fast from sunrise to sunset despite the rigours of training.

      Morceli claimed he could not remember when he did not want to run. At the age of seven he was inspired by his brother Abderrahmane, a world-class runner who finished fourth in the 1,500 m in the 1977 World Cup. Later his brother would become Morceli's coach. In the early 1980s Morceli came to idolize Said Aouita, a Moroccan who won the gold medal in the 5,000 m in the 1984 Olympics Games.

      By age 17 Morceli had taken second place in the 1,500 m in the world junior championships. A year later he enrolled at Riverside (Calif.) Community College, which had been recommended for its coaching and track facilities. He spent two years there, at the end of which he had run the world's fastest 1,500 m for 1990. From that time there was no stopping him. At age 20 he was ranked first in the world in the 1,500 m. In 1992 he added the outdoor world record for the 1,500 m, in 1993 for the mile, and in 1994 for the 3,000 m.

      As Morceli looked forward to the 1995 season, sportswriters unabashedly proclaimed him the greatest runner in the world or even the greatest of all time. Perhaps his spirit was best exemplified by his winning performance in the 1994 Grand Prix. Racked with flu, weakened and hacking, he not only ran but left the field behind at the finish. (MARVIN MARTIN)

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