Moroccan · Bousaâda, Algeria · Born 15 November 1959Moroccan middle and long-distance runner who dominated the 1980s, setting multiple world records and winning Olympic gold in the 5000m at Los Angeles 1984.
Said Aouita is a Moroccan middle-distance legend who held world records in the 1,500m, 2,000m, 3,000m, and 5,000m simultaneously at one point — an extraordinary feat of versatility. He won the 5,000m gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and was the first African to dominate middle-distance running at the global level, paving the way for generations of African runners who followed. Aouita's simultaneous world records across four different distances in the mid-1980s remain one of the most remarkable feats of versatility in middle-distance history, and his success helped establish Morocco and North Africa as a major force in world athletics.
Middle-distance running dominance, world records in 1500m, mile, 3000m, and 5000m
How They Played
Versatile middle-distance runner with exceptional tactical awareness and finishing kick
Lasting Impact
One of greatest middle-distance runners ever, revolutionized tactical racing
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold Medal 5000m Los Angeles 1984
- Olympic Bronze Medal 800m Seoul 1988
- World Championship Gold Medal 5000m Rome 1987
- World Record 5000m 13:00.40 1985
- World Record 1500m 3:29.46 1985
- World Record 2000m 4:50.81 1987
- World Record 3000m 7:29.45 1989
- World Record 5000m 12:58.39 Oslo 1987
- Jesse Owens Award 1987
- IAAF World Athlete of the Year 1987
- African Games Gold Medal 1500m 1987
Moroccan Athletes