Saïd Aouita facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Said Aouita
سعيد عويطة

Aouita at the 1987 World Championships
Personal information
Nationality	Moroccan
Born	(1959-11-02) 2 November 1959 (age 65) Kenitra, Morocco
Residence	Miami, USA Doha, Qatar
Height	1.76 m
Weight	65 kg
Sport
Sport	Track and field
Event(s)	1500 meters, 3000 meters, 5000 meters
Achievements and titles
Personal best(s)	800 m: 1:43.86 (Cologne 1988) 1500 m: 3:29.46 (Berlin 1985) Mile: 3:46.76 (Helsinki 1987) 3000 m: 7:29.45 (Cologne 1989) 2-mile: 8:13.45 (Turin 1987) 5000 m: 12:58.39 (Rome 1987) 10,000 m: 27:26.11 (Oslo 1986) 3,000 m steeplechase: 8:21.92 (Latakia 1987)
Medal record Representing  Morocco Men's athletics Olympic Games Gold 1984 Los Angeles 5000 m Bronze 1988 Seoul 800 m World Championships Gold 1987 Rome 5000 m Bronze 1983 Helsinki 1500 m World Indoor Championships Gold 1989 Budapest 3000 m Mediterranean Games Gold 1983 Casablanca 800 m Gold 1983 Casablanca 1500 m Gold 1987 Latakia 1500 m Gold 1987 Latakia 5000 m Silver 1987 Latakia 3000 m steeple

Saïd Aouita (born November 2, 1959) is a famous former athlete from Morocco. He was a champion in track and field, known for his amazing running skills. He is the only athlete ever to win medals in both the 800 meters and 5000 meters at the Olympic Games.

Aouita won the 5000 meters race at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He also won the 5000 meters at the 1987 World Championships in Athletics. In 1989, he won the 3000 meters at the 1989 IAAF World Indoor Championships. He used to hold world records in several races. These included the 1500 metres, 2000 m, 3000 m, and twice in the 5000 m.

Early Life and Education

Saïd Aouita was born on November 2, 1959, in Kenitra, a city on the coast of Morocco. When he was nine years old, his family moved to Fes. This move happened because of his father's job.

As a child, Saïd loved playing football and dreamed of becoming a great footballer. However, his running talent was clear to his coaches. They saw a bright future for him in track and field instead. Aouita also studied management and business. He is now working towards a higher degree in sport management.

A Champion Runner's Career

Aouita's journey to becoming a star began at the 1983 World Championships in Athletics in Helsinki. He competed in the 1500 m race. He won the bronze medal, finishing third. This happened after a slow pace for most of the race, followed by a fast sprint at the end.

Olympic Gold in 1984

In 1984, Aouita decided to run the 5000 m at the 1984 Summer Olympics. A runner from Portugal, Antonio Leitão, led most of the race. Aouita stayed right behind him. Then, on the very last lap, Aouita sprinted past Leitão to win the gold medal.

Setting World Records

In 1985, Aouita broke two world records. On July 27 in Oslo, he set a new record for the 5000 m (13:00.40). Then, on August 23, he broke the 1500 m world record (3:29.46).

In 1987, Aouita aimed to do well at the world championship in Rome. He also wanted to break more records. First, he broke the 2000 m world record in Paris with a time of 4:50.81. Just six days later, he surprised everyone. He broke his own 5000 m world record. He became the first person to run the 5000 m in under 13 minutes (12:58.39).

For the 1987 World Championships in Athletics, Aouita chose to only run the 5000 m. In the final race, John Ngugi from Kenya set a good pace. Aouita was always in control. He made his move just before the final lap. He led a big sprint to the finish line, winning the race.

Olympic Bronze in 1988

At the 1988 Summer Olympics, Aouita tried to race in both the 800 m and 1500 m. He had a hamstring injury, which is a muscle injury in the leg. This injury caused him to finish third in the 800 m. He had to pull out of the 1500 m race, even though he had qualified. Despite his injury, his bronze medal made him unique. He is the only athlete in history to win medals in both the 800 m and 5000 m at the Olympics.

More Records in 1989

In 1989, Aouita won the 3000 m at the 1989 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Budapest. Later that year, he broke the world record for the same distance in Köln, Germany. His time was 7:29.45. This made him the first person ever to run the 3000 m in under 7 minutes and 30 seconds.

Aouita was a very flexible runner. He was great at middle and long distances, from 800 m to 10,000 m. Between September 1983 and September 1990, he won 115 out of 119 races. He raced against and beat many Olympic champions.

Retirement from Running

In the early 1990s, Aouita had surgery on his leg. His doctors told him it would be best for his health to stop running professionally. After a few difficult races, he decided to retire from athletics.

Personal Life and Career After Running

Saïd Aouita married Khadija Skhir in 1983. They have four children: one son named Adil, and three daughters named Soukaina, Sarah, and Zeena.

After his running career, Aouita worked as a consultant for sports groups. He was also a national manager for athletics in Morocco. He worked as a distance running coach in Australia. His experience as an athlete and his education helped him in these roles. Today, Aouita works as a Senior Analyst for Al Jazeera Sports channel. He also started his own sports clothing company in 2009.

Aouita is featured on a postage stamp from Azerbaijan. He lives in Orlando, Florida.

International Competitions and Medals

World Records Held

• 1500 metres – 3:29.46, Berlin, August 23, 1985
• 2000 metres – 4:50.81, Paris, July 16, 1987
• 3000 metres – 7:29.45, Cologne, August 20, 1989
• Two miles – 8:13.45, Turin, May 28, 1987
• 5000 metres – 13:00.40, Oslo, July 22, 1985
• 5000 metres – 12:58.39, Rome, July 27, 1987

Awards and Honors

• Three times winner of the IAAF Grand Prix Final (for 800 m, 1500 m, and 5000 m races).

Images for kids

• 

  Saïd Aouita on an Azerbaijani postage stamp

See also

In Spanish: Saïd Aouita para niños