Fans greet Olympic star

Algerian runner Taoufik Makhloufi Algiers – Hussein Bou Saleh Monday afternoon saw the return of London 2012 Olympics champ, Algerian runner Taoufik Makhloufi to his home country. At the airport, Minister of Youth and Sports, Al-Hashimi Dijar, media professionals, and crowds of fans received Makhloufi while waving the Algerian flag, and calling Makhloufi’s name. The Algerian track star got a hero’s welcome after winning Algeria's only gold when he came first in the 2012 London Olympics' 1500m race. It was the second gold for Arab countries after Tunisian swimmer Oussama Mellouli won gold in the men's swimming marathon. Maklhoufi, who succeeds Noureddine Morceli, the Algerian winner of the 1500m gold in 1996, told reporters that “the best gift an athlete can give to their country, which celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of its independence, is to see the flag flying hgh and the national anthem played in the biggest international sports event”. He added that his achievement was due to his belief in his abilities and persistence throughout the year to be in the "best shape possible for the Games".  Minister Dijar praised “the historic achievement of Makhloufi which he gave as a gift to Algeria and Arabs”. He also commended “the huge efforts by this promising runner, which were crowned with gold” and set him as an example “for other athletes who disappointed in the London 2012 Olympics”.  Makhloufi’s achievement touched the hearts of Algerians who were waiting to celebrate Makhloufi’s gold and relive the glory of running champs Morceli and Nouria Mérah-Benida, who won gold in the women's 1500m race at the Sydney Olympics. Merah said she was happy for Makhloufi’s achievement which "helped Algeria save face after it failed to win medals in other sports". The 1500m remains the best representation for Algeria in Olympics for decades," she added. Makhloufi, a native of Souk Ahras got an honorary tour of Algiers in a convertible coupe, to cheering crowds who lined the streets of the capital. The champion won with a time of 3:34:08. Makhloufi was two steps away from exclusion due to a planned withdrawal from the 800m run to devote himself to the 1500m, before the Olympics committee reinstated him 24 hours before the race.