El Guerroujdigs deep to claim his gold medals

THE wide-eyed look of disbelief told it all: He kissed the track and danced a jig. This ­ for the fans of track and field at least ­ was the greatest moment of the 2004 Olympic Games

Hicham El Guerrouj had gone to Athens with four world titles and the world records for both the 1,500m and the mile ­ everything but an Olympic gold medal. That medal would assure his place in history as the greatest mile/1,500m runner of all time, for it is unlikely that his achievements will ever be equalled.

Twice previously he had gone to the Olympic Games as favourite for the 1,500m title but both efforts ended in tears.