was reading more about Hicham El Gerrouj - he was double Olympic gold medalist over 1500m and 5000m at the same Olympics. Also 1500m world record of 3m26s.

Found this biographical article which makes a fascinating read :

http://www.library.cornell.edu/colldev/mideast/gurrj.htm

Interesting similarities with Buakaw leaving the impression that the guy is a freak of nature who can cope with a phenomenal amount of training. Interesting excerpt
"Among the runners at the table was Patrick Ndayisenga, the national record-holder in the marathon from the central African nation of Burundi, who had come to Ifrane to train with the Moroccans. He said he had been amazed to see el-Guerrouj, a miler, training like a marathoner, running 13 to 15 miles in an hour and a half. El-Guerrouj also trains like a sprinter, running sometimes with a weighted jacket, dragging a tire, and he does bounding drills to increase the propulsion in his ankles. The mile has come to resemble the brutal pace of the 800 meters and el-Guerrouj better than anyone has perfected the grueling training for speed and endurance. "

Other interesting parallels could be drawn with the relaxed laid back lifestyle many Moroccans lead and their excellent cuisine.

Apologise if this seems too far off topic but I still think it relevant.