Morsali won gold at the 1996 Olympic Games Algerian runner Noureddine Morceli has been voted the country’s best runner since independence in 1962, according to a poll conducted by the Algerian News Agency. Morsali won a gold medal in the 1,500 metres at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, breaking five world records and two indoor records for long-distance running along the way. For six consecutive years between 1990 and 1995, Morceli won the best 1,500 metres performance of the year.
The poll also saw Algerian runner Tawfik Makhloofy recognised as the best sportsman in 2012 with Sorya Hadad the best sportswoman.
Swordswoman Motosamy Leo Milissia won the award for best young player for 2012, after representing Algeria in last year’s Olympic Games in London. Milissia was the youngest player to have participated in the event since 1896.