Algerian sprinter Mohamed Allek passes away
09.03.2016
Allek was a four-time Paralympian and one of the nation’s most popular para-athletes.
The International Paralympic Committee has sent its condolences to the family of Algeria’s Paralympic and world champion Mohamed Allek, who passed away at home in Algiers on Monday (7 March) at the age of 42 after a long illness.
Allek’s career spanned two decades during which he represented his country at multiple World Championships and Paralympic Games, including winning Algeria’s first Paralympic gold medals at Atlanta 1996.
He was also a valued coach, and in 2011 trained the Algerian national athletics team for the All Africa Games.
Born on 17 August 1974, Allek won his historic gold medals in the 100m and 200m T36 at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games both in world record times. At Sydney 2000, he won three more gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 400m T37.
The last podium finish of his career came at Athens 2004 with bronze in the 200m T37, before retiring after Beijing 2008.
Off the track, Allek received the Medal of Honour from Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
He leaves a wife and daughter.