Algeria Athletics

Noureddine Morceli is not the only Olympic contender monitoring Algeria's unstable political situation. Hassiba Boulmerka, winner of the women's 1,500 meters in last year's World Championships, might be more affected by the outcome. Despite her surprising victory, Boulmerka's participation at the World Championships in Tokyo drew the ire of Islamic fundamentalists in Algeria.

The loneliness of the long-distance runner has ceased to be a problem for Noureddine Morceli. Actually, a little solitude would be a welcome respite. But that's a luxury he has learned to do without. Duty, responsibility, patriotism--these, he has decided, must come first. Morceli will carry the hopes and dreams of his 25 million Algerian compatriots wherever he goes between now and early August, when the Olympic 1,500-meter final is run.

Noureddine Morceli of Algeria broke the world indoor record for 1,000 meters with a time of 2:15.26 at an international meet in Birmingham, England. He broke the record of 2:16.4, set four years ago by Rob Druppers of the Netherlands. Liz McColgan of Scotland also set a world indoor record with a time of 15:03.17 in the 5,000, breaking the mark of 15:13.71, set by Germany's Uta Pippig in Stuttgart on Feb. 10, 1991.

Noureddine Morceli is not the only Olympic contender monitoring Algeria's unstable political situation. Hassiba Boulmerka, winner of the women's 1,500 meters in last year's World Championships, might be more affected by the outcome. Despite her surprising victory, Boulmerka's participation at the World Championships in Tokyo drew the ire of Islamic fundamentalists in Algeria.

The loneliness of the long-distance runner has ceased to be a problem for Noureddine Morceli. Actually, a little solitude would be a welcome respite. But that's a luxury he has learned to do without. Duty, responsibility, patriotism--these, he has decided, must come first. Morceli will carry the hopes and dreams of his 25 million Algerian compatriots wherever he goes between now and early August, when the Olympic 1,500-meter final is run.

Noureddine Morceli of Algeria broke the world indoor record for 1,000 meters with a time of 2:15.26 at an international meet in Birmingham, England. He broke the record of 2:16.4, set four years ago by Rob Druppers of the Netherlands. Liz McColgan of Scotland also set a world indoor record with a time of 15:03.17 in the 5,000, breaking the mark of 15:13.71, set by Germany's Uta Pippig in Stuttgart on Feb. 10, 1991.