Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad

Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad (born 15 March 1985) is a French middle-distance runner of Algerian origin who mainly competes in the 3000 metres steeplechase. He has won medals in major international competitions such as the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships and European Indoor Championships.

Mekhissi-Benabbad has gained notoriety for his bad temper and violent behaviour after events.

Running career

Mekhissi-Benabbad made his first appearances as a junior athlete in 2004, running at the 2004 IAAF World Cross Country Championships, where he was 61st in the junior race, and at the 2004 World Junior Championships where he was eliminated in the heats of the 3000 m steeplechase. He ran in the 1500 metres event at the 2006 European Cup, where he finished eighth. Mekhissi-Benabbad represented France at the 2006 IAAF World Cup, but only managed to finish eighth in the 1500 m event.

Mekhissi-Benabbad won the 3000 metres steeplechase gold medal at the 2007 European Athletics U23 Championships. He competed in his first major senior event later that year – the 2007 World Championships - where he was eliminated in the heats of the 3000 metres steeplechase competition.