Hicham El Guerrouj willattempt to double up in the 1,500 metres and 5,000m at next year’s Athens Olympicsdespite being beaten in the longer race at last month’sworld championships.
I have taken the decision to attempt the twodistances at the Olympics,'' said the Moroccan, who iscompeting in the World Athletics Final here thisweekend. This year I concentrated on the 5,000 metres untilJuly, working on the pacing of my running. As a result,I lost a little speed but improved my pacing. In 2004, Iwill concentrate on the 1,500 metres until June.’’
The Olympic gold is the only title lacking from ElGuerrouj’s list of honours at 1,500m. He was beaten byKenya’s Noah Ngeny at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
El Guerrouj easily won his fourth consecutive worldcrown at 1,500m in Paris last month, but was beaten by18-year-old Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge in a thrilling finishto the 5,000m.
The Athens Olympics begin on August 13.