Hicham
on Hicham
IAAF
3 June 2002 - In the first of a new series of Athlete's On-line Diaries, the IAAF is pleased to introduce Hicham El Guerrouj - the 2001 World Athlete of the Year - who describes his recent activities, including his 2002 Mile debut in Eugene and a visit to the French Tennis Open - Roland Garros. Look out for more big name athletes in the coming weeks!
“Last Sunday I made my 2002 debut at the IAAF Grand Prix Prefontaine Classic in Eugene. This meeting represents the tradition of athletics in the USA, there are people of both sexes from all ages and prosessions, but half of the spectators were youngsters. I remained for over an hour after the race to sign autographs and the people who came up to me really knew my event and asked questions about my splits and my mileage in training. They are very warm and love athletics, especially milers!
“I had competed there for the first time in 2001 and remember I was surprised when a little girl, aged 12 or 13, had come up to hug me and actually started to cry from emotion! I saw her again this year and she had grown, and it was great to see how she had changed; now she was smiling and asking about my plans for the season.
“On the way back from the US I stopped in Paris, where the IAAF had invited me to the French Open Tennis Championships. Unfortunately I could not arrive in time to see my friend Hicham Arazi win his second round match that day, but I had lunch in the players’ restaurant with the Moroccan players. Hicham Arazi I have known for a long time, he is a very uncomplicated person, and we have the same age and personality. He has a lot of potential and has proven that he can beat any player. He had first called me, back in 1997, because he wanted to come to train at altitude in Ifrane, and asked me for advice. Since then we speak often on the phone.
“I also saw Gustavo Kuerten there and went up to introduce myself - when I see something I like no one can stop me! I really admire him! I followed the Roland Garros final on TV last year and bet with the other Moroccan athletes in Ifrane that he would win. I like his personality on and off the courts, I like the fact that he is helping the children in Brazil - he has such an extraordinary personality! So I went up and introduced myself and he was also happy to see me and asked about my plans for this season. I really hope to see him in the final again this year, although it will be tough after his operation.
“Now I’m heading back to Morocco for a months’ hard training in Ifrane before the first meeting of the Golden League in Oslo. Winning the jackpot will be harder this year, as we have to win our event in all seven meetings, but it is a noble challenge, and athletes like challenges. “
Hicham