Moroccan-born middle-distance runner Mohamed Attaoui, who represents Spain, has run the third-fastest 1000m in history. On Tuesday, September 2, in Trier (Germany), he clocked a world lead and national record of 2:12.25, the third-best mark ever recorded. The 23-year-old, set to compete in the 800m at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (from 13-21 September 2025), came just shy of Sebastian Coe's European record of 2:12.18 (1981) and Noah Ngeny's world record of 2:11.96 (1999). Attaoui, nicknamed «silver rabbit» who won silver in the 800m at the 2024 European Championships and placed fifth at the Paris Olympics, has been in outstanding form this season. His achievements include a Diamond League victory in Paris (1:42.73) and a championship record at the European Team Championships in Madrid (1:44.01). Mohamed Attaoui was born in Beni Mellal, in 2001, and spent his early years there before moving with his family to Torrelavega, Spain, where his father had found work in construction. He grew up in a large household with his mother, three brothers, and a sister, and quickly stood out for his energy and love of movement. Football and cross-country races revealed his endurance and speed, leading him and his brothers to join the local athletics club. A major turning point came in 2015, when his father Salah passed away from cancer, pushing Mohamed to temporarily abandon athletics before returning stronger at 17. Inspired by Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj, Attaoui sees running as his way of channeling energy and honoring his father's memory.
