{"id":153,"date":"2024-12-12T22:21:07","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T12:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oztrack.com\/blog\/?page_id=153"},"modified":"2025-02-03T21:38:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T11:38:59","slug":"training-of-the-mens-1500m-world-record-holder","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/oztrack.com\/blog\/training-of-the-mens-1500m-world-record-holder\/","title":{"rendered":"Training of the Mens 1500m World Record Holder Hicham El Guerrouj"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Moroccan Training System: The Training of Hicham El Guerrouj<\/strong><\/h2>\n

By Marco Veled\u00edaz, Mexico City<\/p>\n

The Structure of the Moroccan Athletics Federation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

To understand Morocco’s success, it is essential to analyze the Moroccan Athletics Federation. This organization is divided into three primary departments, or \u201cdirections,\u201d which work together to guide athletes from talent discovery to elite-level performance.<\/p>\n

1. Talent Spotting Direction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

First and foremost, the journey begins with identifying promising athletes.<\/p>\n

Process<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

A travelling caravan system evaluates youth aged 12\u201316 through three specific tests:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Short sprint<\/strong> (low start).<\/li>\n
  • Middle-distance race<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  • Standing long jump<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    These tests are designed to assess reaction speed, endurance, and explosive strength.<\/p>\n

    Next Steps<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    After excelling in these initial tests, athletes undergo rigorous medical evaluations, including treadmill tests and blood analyses. Subsequently, those who show promise are sent to Preparation Local Units<\/em>, where they receive foundational training focused on multilateral development.<\/p>\n

    Infrastructure<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    Furthermore, these units, supported by government funding and phosphate industry sponsorships, offer modern facilities and expert coaching to nurture young athletes.<\/p>\n

    2. Youngsters Technical Direction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Once athletes demonstrate potential, they progress to the next phase, which focuses on advanced skill refinement.<\/p>\n

    Development Phase<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    During this stage, athletes train in Perfecting Local Units<\/em> or Training Development Centers. These centers house approximately 60 athletes aged 16\u201319. However, selection becomes increasingly competitive and is based on advanced physiological and biomechanical assessments.<\/p>\n

    Advanced Training<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    Eventually, the most talented individuals move to the National Institute of Athletics in Ifrane. Here, they benefit from advanced training programs, comprehensive diet plans, and performance analysis based on biomechanics.<\/p>\n

    3. National Technical Direction<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Finally, athletes who excel at previous levels transition to full-time training, where they prepare for national and international competitions.<\/p>\n

    Full-Time Training<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    At this stage, athletes train exclusively at the National Institute of Athletics, receiving housing, food, and financial support from the government and King Hassan II.<\/p>\n

    Dedication<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    Although resources are modest, the emphasis is on cultivating discipline and extraordinary commitment among athletes. As a result, the system consistently produces world-class performers.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Key Principles of Moroccan Training<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    After understanding the structure of the Federation, it becomes crucial to explore the principles that guide Moroccan training. These principles serve as the foundation for consistent success.<\/p>\n

    Maximal Effort Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    To begin with, Moroccan athletes train at intensities designed to reflect the demands of modern competition. Consequently, they develop the resilience necessary to excel on the world stage.<\/p>\n

    Individualization Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Moreover, each athlete\u2019s training program is personalized. For example, scientific data was used to adjust Khalid Skah\u2019s biomechanics, significantly improving his running efficiency. Similarly, Salah Hissou\u2019s training emphasized endurance, allowing him to achieve remarkable results.<\/p>\n

    Systematic Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    While athletes often train in groups, each individual follows a tailored plan. For instance, one athlete might focus on long continuous runs, while another emphasizes short, high-intensity sessions.<\/p>\n

    Multilateral Development Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Additionally, due to the lack of comprehensive physical education in schools, young athletes receive broad physical training to establish a foundation before specializing.<\/p>\n

    Conscious Preparation Principle<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Lastly, athletes are educated about their programs. By doing so, the system fosters trust and ensures they fully understand the rationale behind their training plans.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Training Organization<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Seasonal Preparation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    The Moroccan training calendar is meticulously divided into distinct phases, each serving a specific purpose. For example, the 1996\u20131997 season consisted of the following five stages:<\/p>\n

    Preparatory Period (Oct 15\u2013May 15)<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    Initially, this phase focused on building aerobic endurance, strength, and general athletic development.<\/p>\n

    Competition Preparation (May 11\u201330)<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    Next, the focus shifted to race pace and specific speed work.<\/p>\n

    First Competition Phase (May 31\u2013June 10)<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    During this stage, athletes participated in their first races of the season to assess their progress.<\/p>\n

    Second Preparation Phase (June 11\u201330)<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    Then, training emphasized speed endurance and race-specific drills to ensure athletes were fully prepared.<\/p>\n

    Second Competition Period (July\u2013August)<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n

    Finally, athletes competed during the peak of the season to showcase their hard work and preparation.<\/p>\n

    Altitude Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Moreover, the strategic use of altitude plays a pivotal role in the Moroccan system. Athletes alternate between training at sea level in Rabat and at high altitude in Ifrane (1,650m). Ifrane\u2019s natural terrain\u2014including forest trails, dry lakebeds, and park loops\u2014provides ideal conditions for endurance and strength development.<\/p>\n

    Specialized Training Groups<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    In addition to these strategies, athletes are grouped by discipline, with each group led by an elite athlete and coach. For instance:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Hicham El Guerrouj Group<\/strong> (1500m).<\/li>\n
    • Khalid Skah Group<\/strong> (10,000m).<\/li>\n
    • Steeplechase Group<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Each group consists of 8\u201310 athletes, fostering teamwork, mentorship, and a sense of community.<\/p>\n