Mohammed Attaoui is a Spanish runner who specializes at the 800m-1500m. “Moho”. as he is known, has the Spanish National record at 800meters, of 1’42.05.
In Paris 2024, at the Olympics, Mohammed finished fifth in a very tough 800 meter final. In Tokyo in 2025, Mohammed finished fifth, once again in the very tough World Champs 800 meter final. Both times were in the low 1;42s, which is, well, insane running!
“I started in running late, I was sixteen years old when I began running, ” Moho told me on Thursday, February 5, at the Madrid Indoor Meeting presser, :” I loved cross country, and then, I raced every weekend, over 1,500 meters, 3000 meters and 5,000 meters. I ran PBs each week. I loved it. And then, I decided, after a couple of years, to focus on the 800 meters!”
Mohammed is pleased with his fitness now. ” I raced PBs at the 1,500 meter indoors (January 17, 3:35.65, at Antequero, Spain) and 800 meters (1:44.98 at Millrose Games on February 1). . Last year, I was not racing well indoors. I feel very good now.”
Moho, who races for the On Athletic Club in Europe, is focused on the 1000 meter short track record of 2:14.20, set twelve years ago by Anyaleh Souliman of Djibouti.
Mohammed Attaoui, Espana, will attempt World short track best at 1000 meters (2:14.20, Ayanleh Souliman, DJI). Moho has run pbs at 1500m indoors and 800m indoors!
🎥 @larryeder1958 #OnAthleticClub, #DreamOn, pic.twitter.com/v5DrQW0Amf
— RunBlogRun (@RunBlogRun) February 6, 2026
Moho has a PB outdoors over 1000 meters of 2:12.25 NR, set in Trier, Germany on 2 September 2025.
Mohammed Attaoui speaks thoughtfully, with confidence. Born in Morocco, Moho has lived in Spain since he was six years old. ” I love the fans in Madrid and at this track. I want to race fast here and I will be ready.”
A smile comes over the Spaniard’s face, as he patiently discussed his racing, his realizing that he could be an elite athlete, and his focus on this World Best.
Mohammed Attaoui is full of running. He has loved running since his first experiences in cross-country and racing 1,500 meters to 5000 meters. The enthusiasm of a sixteen year old has been replaced by the focus and thoughtfulness of a world class middle distance runner.
Make sure you are watching the Meeting Indoor Madrid 2026, which begins at 7 PM local time at the Calle De Gallur, in Madrid, Spain.
Mohammed Attaoui has a real following in Madrid. The media was all over him, with seven or eight interviews post presser. Moho was poised, thoughtful and conversant in Spanish and English. I was most appreciative of his English.
Moho will be ready to race. RunBlogRun will be there to witness the record attempt and enjoy the meeting, our first visit to Madrid Indoor since 2019.
See you soon!
What race experience let you know you could be an elite athlete? Mohammed Attaoui, Espana, “I started track late, I was sixteen, then I raced cross country, and then 1500m, 3000m and 5000m, I raced week after week, “
Video by Larry Eder #MohammedAttaoui, #OnAthlericClub,… pic.twitter.com/dcnpZtPgaR
— RunBlogRun (@RunBlogRun) February 6, 2026
