New Delhi: Two times Marathon world record holder and the 2011 Delhi Half Marathon event ambassador Khalid Khannouchi doesn’t see any reason as to why India cannot produce world beating marathon runners, provided they are given the right kind of training, diet and support from a very tender age.
“There is no reason why only Africans should be great long distance runners. Focus, dedication and hard work can ensure that any good athlete can reach that level,” said Khalid.
Khalid who is on his first visit to the country, never ever imagined in his wildest dreams that there would be such a craze for marathon in India and was really surprised by the number of people taking part in the Marathon. “I hope to inspire young athletes with my story while I am in Delhi and will also spread the word around that the running movement has gained a lot of momentum in India,” said Khannouchi, who is here to support the move.
The former World Number 1 Marathoner, Khannouchi, who is a Moroccan by birth but now has a citizenship of America feels that he was very fortunate to have been guided by the right person and thanked Sandra, his former wife, coach and manager, for being there during the hours of crisis.
“I would enjoy running the 5,000 and 10,000 meters and it was Sandra who recognized the talent in me to run longer distances and convinced me to run the Chicago Marathon when I was 26. She planned my training and my victory there and timing was the fastest debut marathon ever and the rest is history,” added Khannouchi.
Khannouchi, who never won any Olympic Medal or a World Championship during his long illustrious career, however does have any regrets whatsoever. “These kinds of things are out of anyone’s bound. I prepare well throughout the year and one fine day I go down with an injury which prevents me from taking part in these events. So there is much I could do about it,” said the former world number 1 marathoner. “ For me all that matters is running. I run more fame and not money,” added Khannouchi.
Khannouchi feels that marathon is famous amongst the public because through it everyone challenges oneself and one who could run a marathon can do anything in the world.
