Algerian · Tiaret, Algeria · Born 28 February 1970Dominant 1990s 1500m world record holder.
Noureddine Morceli was born on 28 February 1970 in Ténès, Algeria, and was inspired to take up running at age seven by his older brother, Abderrahmane, a world-class 1500m runner who finished fourth at the 1977 World Cup and later became Noureddine's coach. Morceli developed into the finest middle-distance runner of the early 1990s, idolising fellow North African great Saïd Aouita, and won the 1500m Arab championship as a teenager before turning professional in 1989. Morceli won the 1500m title at the 1994 IAAF World Cup and was the overall Grand Prix series champion that year, along with victories at the Goodwill Games in both 1994 and 1998 and the Millrose Games mile in 1992 and 1993. Morceli set world records across the 1500m, mile, 2000m, and 3000m during his career, retiring in 2001 as one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in history, his personal best of 3:27.37 in the 1500m standing as the Algerian national record for decades.
Middle Distance (1,500m)
How They Played
Aggressive front-runner with devastating finishing kick
Lasting Impact
One of greatest middle-distance runners, revolutionized tactical racing
Career Honours
- 1996 Olympic gold 1500m
- 1991,1993,1995 World champ 1500m
- WR 3:27.37
Algerian Athletes