Mahiedine Mekhissi bows out.

At the head of one of the finest records of French athletics with his three Olympic medals in the 3,000 m steeplechase, the Rémois ended his career on Tuesday.

“I stop because the desire is no longer there.

I no longer enjoy going to training.

I felt it was time to say stop, ”he told the newspaper

L'Equipe

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Dark, solitary and elusive, he was never as comfortable as on the track.

In his time, he was one of the few cross-country skiers to be able to compete in the 3,000m steeplechase with the Kenyan masters, becoming a racing beast in the major championships, where he multiplied his exploits.

Five European titles

Triple Olympic medalist in his favorite distance of the 3,000m steeplechase (silver in 2008 in Beijing and 2012 in London, bronze in 2016 in Rio) he also has two podiums at the World Championships (bronze in 2011 and 2013).

He also dominated the European scene with five continental titles (four over 3,000m steeplechase in 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018, one over 1,500m in 2014).

Each time, Mekhissi had appeared out of nowhere, reducing his appearances in competition to the strict minimum before making his science of racing speak.

This hidden need to live, and this distrust that shone through as soon as the microphones were tensed, perhaps had their origins in the circumspect reception that followed his dazzling appearance on the international scene at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Silver medalist to everyone's surprise, his unexpected podium had aroused doubts and incomprehension, especially since his trainer at the time had a sulphurous reputation.

Several skids

The big brown, strong for a founder, had then experienced some slippages which had tarnished his image.

In July 2011, he exchanged surreal and ridiculous punches on the Monaco track with Mehdi Baala.

It was then an official of the Creps de Reims who accused him of having attacked him.

Boosted on the track, he wanted to celebrate his victory at the Zurich Euro in the 3,000 m steeplechase by taking off his jersey in the home stretch before crossing the line, a symbol of his margin over the competition.

A glitch in the regulations which had earned him a cruel disqualification.

Two days later, he took revenge by imposing himself masterfully over 1,500 m.

All spitting Mekhissi.

“People have a false image of me, the European record holder for the 3,000 m steeplechase (8 min 00 sec 09, July 6, 2013 at the Stade de France) said one day in his soft voice.

In a stadium, we go to fight, I am not the everyday Mahiedine.

People can't assimilate it.

I find it sad, because they are sometimes afraid to approach me.

My character and my temperament are my strength: without that I wouldn't have the same track record”.

Since his last European title in August 2018, he had suffered several injuries and had not returned to international level.

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Fifth European title for Mekhissi, crowned in the 3,000m steeplechase

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