Yomi Omogbeja (01/08/2004)

Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj yesterday reclaimed the world 1500m leading performance at the KBC Night of Athletics in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.

El Guerrouj raced to an astonishing 54 seconds finishing lap to remove any lingering doubt about his form for the Olympics when he crossed the line in 3:29.18.

The Moroccan’s pace pushed 19-year-old Ethiopian Mulugeta Wendimu to set a new national record with 3:31.13.

“My allergy problems are solved and things are going unexpectedly well in training," El Guerrouj told journalists.

"I am extremely happy today. I was running very smoothly. It felt as if I could run below 3:27 today. My finishing speed proved to be very reliable.”

The 1500m-world champion and world record holder now hopes to double at the Olympics.

He said: “I'm prepared for all sorts of tactics now.

"Will I double 1500m and 5000m in Athens? Insha Allah, if God wants it. There has never been any doubt in my mind about my ability to do it."

see also: El Guerrouj's win streak ends