Moroccan researcher Mouad Benouzekri has received an international award for his work examining Morocco's history within the Olympic Movement. Benouzekri, from Ibn Tofail University, was recognized at the Olympic Museum on September 19 during the General Assembly of the International Society of Olympic Historians (ISOH). He also delivered a 30-minute presentation titled "Morocco and the Olympic Movement." The award was given for his project tracing Morocco's Olympic story through athletes, institutions, and national identity.
Benouzekri's project organizes Morocco's Olympic story around three themes: recognition, reputation, and influence. The first theme examines Morocco's emergence within the Olympic Movement after independence. The second theme looks at how athletes built the country's sporting reputation, while the third theme considers Moroccan participation in institutions shaping international sport. Benouzekri stated that he wanted to move beyond a list of medals and famous names, and instead provide a comprehensive understanding of Morocco's Olympic history.
Benouzekri's research highlights several key moments in Morocco's Olympic history, including Abdeslam Radi's silver medal in the marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympics. This was Morocco's first Olympic medal, and it marked a significant moment in the country's sporting history. Benouzekri also emphasized the importance of Nawal El Moutawakel's victory in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Her win made her a defining figure in Moroccan and African Olympic history.
Benouzekri's research also explores the journey of Hicham El Guerrouj, a Moroccan middle-distance legend. El Guerrouj's Olympic career was marked by perseverance, including a fall during the 1,500-meter final in Atlanta in 1996, a silver medal at Sydney 2000, and finally, Olympic gold in Athens 2004. Benouzekri stated that El Guerrouj's journey has a particular meaning for him, as he remembers watching the athlete as a young spectator.
The International Society of Olympic Historians had previously named Benouzekri the winner of its 2026 Olympic History poster competition. The Moroccan National Olympic Committee also confirmed his first-place finish earlier this year. Benouzekri's award adds to a year of international Olympic recognition for him and Ibn Tofail University.
In March, an Ibn Tofail University team supervised by Benouzekri won the master's category of the fifth International Olympic Case Study Competition. The university reported that the students secured first place during the March 24 final at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. This was the first time an African and non-European team had won the competition's master's category.
Benouzekri's research and awards demonstrate his significant contribution to the field of Olympic history. His work provides a comprehensive understanding of Morocco's Olympic story and its significance in the broader context of international sport. The researcher stated that his central message was that Moroccan athletes have not simply appeared in Olympic history; they have helped shape it.
Key points
- Moroccan researcher Mouad Benouzekri receives international award for tracing Morocco's Olympic story.
- Benouzekri's project explores Morocco's Olympic history through athletes, institutions, and national identity.
- The researcher also presented his work at the International Olympic Academy's 66th Session for Young Olympic Ambassadors in Olympia, Greece.
