But Hicham El Guerrouj , from neighboring Morocco was the rising star , who had chased Morceli in the most recent world championships .
Algerian Noureddine Morceli had dominated the 1500 for five years , holding the world record and winning the previous three world championships .
Hicham El Guerrouj , from neighboring Morocco was the rising star , who had chased Noureddine Morceli in the most recent world championships .
Algerian Noureddine Morceli had dominated the 1500 for five years , holding the world record and winning the previous three world championships .