Quotes by Hicham El Guerrouj

“It was tough but I tried to run easy. I have blisters from my shoes and I didnt sleep because of the joy I felt. I have not celebrated yet.”

“If I am to compete in it it is only if I feel I can win,”

“Otherwise there is not much point in me going.”

“My father told me it was not a job, that I wouldnt make a living at tennis, ... The toughest part was trying to explain to him that I could be the first one from Morocco to do it. But he didnt want me to play. We didnt talk for a year. That was when I knew I couldnt fail. I had to show him it was the right decision. It was a great motivation.”

“She accepted the travel and living in hotels for 11 months, ... With a child, she could have said she wanted to be home, and that would have been difficult. After a match its 10 p.m., and then you have dinner until 12 - all the inconveniences of a pro athlete. Tennis was my first priority, and she accepted it. She gave advice and supported me.”

“Tennis is simply not affordable to many in the Arab world, ... They should have public courts like they do in the United States and France. One of my dreams is to fill Morocco with public courts and offer practices to kids who cannot afford to belong to clubs or have coaches. But thats in the future. For now, I am competing. No Arab player has ever won a grand slam event. My dream is to be the first.”

“It is finally complete. Four years ago in Sydney, I cried with sadness. Today I cry tears of joy. Im living a moment of glory.”

“[Then came Sydney. Crushed by the weight of expectations (] When I arrived here today, I was crying and my coach had to calm me down, ... I have lived with this dream for four years and it lies in tatters at my feet.”