Makhloufi cuts ties with coach

Makhloufi cuts ties with coach

Apr 27, 2014 by Christopher Chavez
Makhloufi cuts ties with coach
2012 Olympic gold medalist Taoufik Makhloufi has parted ways with coach Jama Aden after two years under his direction. The Algerian middle distance runner joined Aden's training group in January of 2012. He also has split with Swedish manager Ulf Salleti. 

"There is no problem between us. I just wanted to play with other coaches," Makhloufi told El Watan, "I will never forget that I fame by winning the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics. I would add that for two years, my association with Jama took place in an excellent sportsmanship."

Makhloufi confirmed the news to Flotrack and added that his training is currently going well in Iten, Kenya. 

Over the past few months, Makhloufi has shared photos of him in Kenya with the likes of Asbel Kiprop, Mo Farah and David Rudisha.

 

In the months leading up to his moment of glory in London, Makhloufi dropped his personal bests in the 800-meters from 1:46.32 to 1:43.88. He also improved in the 1,500-meters from 3:34.4 in 2012 to 3:30.80 at the 2013 Monaco Diamond League Meeting. 

2013 was an odd year for Makhloufi as he would only compete in the Bowerman Mile at the Prefontaine Classic, where he finished sixth in 3:52.94. A viral infection would sideline him for the rest of the outdoor season.

Aden coaches 1,500-meter and 3,000-meter Indoor World Record Holder Genzebe Dibaba and 2014 World Indoor 1,500-meter Gold Medalist Ayanleh Souleiman.

Makhloufi is expected to announce his new coach in the coming weeks.