Alain Mimoun

Alain ("Ali") Mimoun (born January 1, 1921) is a French Olympic marathon champion. Born in El Telagh, Algeria, Mimoun lost several years of competition to World War II. After the war, he was several times French champion in the 5000 metres and 10000 metres. His path to an Olympic gold medal was blocked in both 1948 and 1952 by the Czech champion Emil Zátopek. Mimoun won silver medals in 10000 metres in 1948 and 1952 as well as another silver meda... more

Alain ("Ali") Mimoun (born January 1, 1921) is a French Olympic marathon champion. Born in El Telagh, Algeria, Mimoun lost several years of competition to World War II. After the war, he was several times French champion in the 5000 metres and 10000 metres. His path to an Olympic gold medal was blocked in both 1948 and 1952 by the Czech champion Emil Zátopek. Mimoun won silver medals in 10000 metres in 1948 and 1952 as well as another silver medal in 5000 metres in 1952. His second place finishes behind Zatopek gave him the nickname "Zatopek's Shadow." Zátopek and Mimoun, while rivals, were great friends. They competed against each other for a final time at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. Mimoun, age 35, and Zátopek, age 34, were seen as champions in their decline. They both competed in the marathon an event where runners peak in their thirties. It was extremely hot in Melbourne on the day of the marathon. Zátopek, who had had a hernia operation 6 weeks before, suffered in the heat... less