Passion or Profession: Athlete

Period: 1968-

A native of Constantine, Boulmerka was one of the world's top competitors in the 1,500-meter run. She won her event at the 1991 and 1995 World Championships and became the first Algerian to win an Olympic gold medal when she placed first at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Though many Algerians praised her as a national hero, Boulmerka was forced to train in Europe after being criticized by religious conservatives who regarded the competition uniform as immodest.