Ilias Fifa (born 16 May 1989) is a long-distance runner. Born in Morocco, he competes internationally for Spain. He gained Spanish citizenship in July 2015 after entering Spain nine years earlier by hiding under a truck crossing the border.
Career He won the 2016 European Championship 5000 metres, in one of the closest long distance finishes ever.
He participated in the 5000 metres at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing but with a time of 13:28.29 he did not reach the final. He qualified for the 5000 m event at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where he finished in a non-qualifying 9th place in his heat.
In 2018, Spanish athlete Ilias Fifa was sanctioned with a four-year suspension for doping violations. He was penalised by the Spanish Anti-Doping Agency (AEPSAD) following his arrest in 2017 for possession of prohibited substances as part of "Operación Chamberí." The suspension began in May 2018 and included a financial fine of €15,000. The sanction significantly impacted his professional career, including the termination of his contract with FC Barcelona. After serving his suspension, Fifa returned to competition in running and athletics events.
International competitions Representing 2015World ChampionshipsBeijing, China13th (h)5000 m13:28.292016European ChampionshipsAmsterdam, Netherlands1st5000 m13:40.85Olympic GamesRio de Janeiro, Brazil23rd (h)5000 m13:30.232017World ChampionshipsLondon, United Kingdom34th (h)5000 m13:47.902023European 10,000m CupPacé, France3rd10,000 m28:12.622024Ibero-American ChampionshipsCuiabá, Brazil1st10 km29:41European ChampionshipsRome, Italy8th10,000 m28:10.972025European Running ChampionshipsLeuven, Belgium13th10 km28:322026European ChampionshipsBirmingham, United Kingdom16thMarathon2:11:33
Personal bests Outdoor 3000 metres – 7:49.13 (Barcelona 2014) 5000 metres – 13:05.61 (Rome 2015)
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