Algérie Presse Service (APS) – August 8, 2012
Joy and jubilation in Algeria greeted Taoufik Makhloufi’s Gold Medal in the 1,500 m race in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Makhloufi raced largely ahead of Leonel Manzano (United States) and Abdalaati Iguider (Morocco) to win Algeria’s first Gold Medal.

“This is a historic day in my career. What happened to me today is fabulous,” said Makhloufi. “I have just won the first Algerian Gold medla at the London Olympic Games and I dedicate it to the Algerian people on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Algeria’s independence.”

“I was well-concentrated on my race, from beginning to end, and I was able to control my rivals directly. Thank God I won,” he added, beaming.

Taoufik Makhloufi became Olympic champion in the 1,500 m coasting to gold medal in 3 minutes 34.08 seconds, ahead of Leonel Manzano of the United

States, who won the silver in 3 minutes 34.79 seconds, and Abdalaati Iguider of Morocco, who won the bronze in 3 minutes 35.13 seconds.

With his win, Makhloufi joins the ranks of other Algerian Olympic gold medalists in the 1,500 m, including Nourdine Morcelli (Atlanta, 1996), Hassiba Boulmerka (Barcelona, 1992), and Nouria Mérah-Benida (Sydney, 2000).