Sofiane Selmouni, a former middle-distance runner who once shone brightly on the French athletics scene, has found himself in a troubling situation as he faces serious criminal charges. The 35-year-old athlete, who was crowned French champion in the 1,500 meters indoors in 2017, was arrested on April 2, 2025, after being on the run for several weeks. He is suspected of committing armed robbery and fraud in the Haut-Rhin region, near Mulhouse.
According to reports from the Mulhouse prosecutor's office, Selmouni is accused of a violent burglary that took place on February 12, 2025. During this incident, he allegedly tied up an 82-year-old man while threatening him with a weapon. The elderly victim was held captive in his own home while Selmouni searched for valuables. Despite the harrowing situation, the elderly man managed to free himself from his restraints and alert the police, leading to Selmouni's identification as the suspect.
Initially, Selmouni had planned to burglarize an apartment he believed was unoccupied due to the occupant being on vacation. However, he mistakenly entered the wrong apartment, which belonged to the elderly man living on the ground floor. The former athlete reportedly confessed to the crimes during police custody, revealing the details of the botched burglary.
Selmouni's career in athletics began relatively late, starting in 2009 at the age of 20. He quickly made a name for himself, winning a bronze medal at the French Championships in the 800 meters in 2014. His success continued with a silver medal in the indoor 1,500 meters in 2016, followed by another silver in the outdoor 800 meters the same year. His crowning achievement came in 2017 when he secured the national title in the 1,500 meters indoors, making him a standout figure in French middle-distance running.
In addition to his national titles, Selmouni also made history as the only athlete from Alsace to qualify for the European Indoor Championships in Belgrade, where he reached the final of the 1,500 meters. His potential seemed limitless, and many believed he was on the path to further success.
However, after retiring from competitive athletics in 2019 at the age of 29, Selmouni's life took a downward turn. In 2018, he attempted to transition into entrepreneurship by co-founding a start-up, but the venture failed to survive past the five-year mark. Following this setback, Selmouni reportedly struggled to find stability, ultimately living out of his car.
The arrest of Selmouni has sent shockwaves through the athletics community, where he was once celebrated for his achievements. Many are left wondering how a promising career could lead to such drastic circumstances. As the investigation continues, authorities are also looking into whether there might be additional victims connected to Selmouni's alleged criminal activities.
The legal proceedings against Selmouni are still unfolding, and he has been placed in pre-trial detention as the case develops. The severity of the charges he faces, particularly involving armed robbery, could lead to significant legal consequences if he is found guilty. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that can follow athletes after their competitive careers come to an end.
As the athletics world watches closely, Selmouni's case highlights the complex interplay between fame, personal struggles, and the law. Fans and former colleagues alike are grappling with the reality that a once-promising athlete could find himself in such a dire predicament.
In the coming weeks, updates on Selmouni's case are expected as the investigation continues and legal proceedings commence. The athletics community remains hopeful for clarity and resolution, while also reflecting on the importance of support systems for athletes transitioning out of competitive sports.
