Ramoul Lyès, this name may not mean much to you if you are not a fan of athletics and cross country, but others will recognize a great champion who has been awarded numerous national and international titles.
Born on April 17, 1976, in Constantine, it was within the Foreign Legion that Lyès first honed his skills on the track and on the ground, effortlessly moving from the 3000 meters steeplechase to cross country, accumulating victories in various military championships under the flag of his home country, Algeria.
Later, following his naturalization, it was the French team that opened its doors for him, making him one of the best distance runners of his generation. Licensed at Olympique de Marseille, the runner participated in the most prestigious competitions such as the Golden League and major meetings that took him around the planet. He still holds the 3000m steeplechase record of his former club with a superb time of 8’27’’04 achieved in Nice in 2000.
From the Track to the Road.
And then one day, a setback, a severe injury to his right calf abruptly ended the burgeoning career of this track talent.
From clinics to hospitals through the best regional specialists, Lyès hung up his spikes and his sneakers rather reluctantly. One thought that the French Athletics Federation or a major club would utilize the talent and abilities of someone who self-coached for most of his career.
But no, instead of a position as a trainer or coach, it was as a delivery driver on a new hire contract that the champion now spends his days at a transport company located in Saint Laurent du Var. No more tartan and dirt, today asphalt is the only track reserved for this man whose legs were once worth their weight in gold.
“I tried to join a club but was told that I did not have the necessary educational level to train athletes and since I needed to feed my family, I turned to a job within my capabilities. I have no regrets and my memories are still very much alive every day in my head and in my nights.”
One cannot help but think that a true waste could have been avoided and who knows, maybe one day Lyès will be able to offer his valuable advice to young athletes eager to shine on the track.
Run Lyès, run…
Franck Viano
