Spanish Runner Adel Mechaal Aims for European Indoor 3,000m Record at Madrid Championships

European indoor champion six years ago in Belgrade and bronze medalist two years ago in Torun, Adel Mechaal had to meet the "competitiveness criteria" that the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA) set at 7:48.00 for this event. The Moroccan-origin athlete lost the European 3,000 meters record on Wednesday after the 7:24.68 performance achieved by his compatriot Mohamed Katir at the Liévin tournament in France, recalls Sport.

Mechaal arrived in Madrid, determined to win his ticket to Istanbul. The 32-year-old athlete showed up for the competition to take on the 7:48 challenge set by the Spanish federation. His coach Antonio Serrano and he had planned a time of 5:10.93 (2 km). But in the end, Mechaal finished the race in 7:47.92, i.e. 8 seconds before the federation’s requirement. "The Federation asked for a competitive requirement of 7.48 and we succeeded. I went through in 2.34 and 5.10. I’m very happy with my performance," Mechaal rejoiced.

"My goal is the European Championships. [...] We will try to qualify for Istanbul and give it our all. In Madrid and Birmingham, I will run the 1,500 meters and I will be ready for the 3,000 meters at the European Championships," said the Spanish athlete.