Djabir Said Guerni of Algeria - 800m gold medallist in Paris (© Getty Images)
2003 World 800m champion Djabir Said Guerni of Algeria has announced his retirement today.
Djabir Said Guerni who became 30-years-old on 29 March commented: “I have no more this motivation to run. After repetitive injury I decided enough was enough. I am not able to run 200m.”
In tears as he spoke, Said Guerni, who also took the 1999 World and 2000 Olympic bronze medals, particularly regrets he will not participate in the next All African Games which takes place in Algiers this summer.
The decision of Said Guerni, the 2000 and 2002 African champion, surprised everybody even the Algerien minister of sports Yahia Guidoum who was present at today’s press conference at which the announcement was made.
Chafik Boukabes for the IAAF
PBs
400m - Outdoor 46.15 / Indoor 46.71
800m - Outdoor 1:43.09 / Indoor 1:47.68