Tim Montgomery of the USA broke the men's world record in the 100m (9.78)Saturday which was noteworthy but the real attention grabber was Moroccan 1500m specialist Hicham El Guerrouj graciously accepted defeat in the overall IAAF Grand Prix standings. This has set an enormous precedent that GWB would be wise in making known to everyone that will listen.
http://www.usatf.org/news/showRelease.asp?article=/news/releases/2002-09-14.xml
Hicham EL Guerrouj (MAR), Winner of the men’s 1500M in 3:29.27 but only second in the IAAF Grand Prix Standings: “These things happen in sport. I am an athlete and I like the sport for all it can offer including surprises. What Tim achieved today is exceptional, I take my hat off. No-one, including me, had ever thought of the possibility of him winning the Standings, so after Felix and I had run I thought I had got it. But I am happy that the sport offers such great moments. If I had lost a World Champions or the Olympic Games, yes I would have been disappointed but today I am just happy for Tim. If the IAAF was to give me the trophy of the Best Athlete of the Year I would have to pass it on to him for what he has done is fantastic. This will not spoil my birthday today. I will still celebrate with some of my closest friends in a Moroccan restaurant and take my mind off athletics.”
http://www.usatf.org/news/showRelease.asp?article=/news/releases/2002-09-14.xml
Hicham EL Guerrouj (MAR), Winner of the men’s 1500M in 3:29.27 but only second in the IAAF Grand Prix Standings: “These things happen in sport. I am an athlete and I like the sport for all it can offer including surprises. What Tim achieved today is exceptional, I take my hat off. No-one, including me, had ever thought of the possibility of him winning the Standings, so after Felix and I had run I thought I had got it. But I am happy that the sport offers such great moments. If I had lost a World Champions or the Olympic Games, yes I would have been disappointed but today I am just happy for Tim. If the IAAF was to give me the trophy of the Best Athlete of the Year I would have to pass it on to him for what he has done is fantastic. This will not spoil my birthday today. I will still celebrate with some of my closest friends in a Moroccan restaurant and take my mind off athletics.”
