El Bakkali offers Morocco its first gold medal in Paris Olympics
Soufiane El Bakkali retained his title in Olympic men’s 3000 meters steeplechase, offering Morocco its first gold medal.
The Moroccan champion crossed the finish line in eight minutes 6.05 seconds as American Kenneth Rooks took silver in 8:06.41 and Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot claimed bronze.
El Bakkali stood out in the last 300 meters sprint outperforming his Ethiopian rival and holder of the world record Lamecha Girma, who was evacuated by medics after a terrifying fall during the race.
King Mohammed VI sent the Champion a message of congratulations for winning the gold medal, thus allowing Morocco to retain this title for the second consecutive time after the Tokyo-2020 Games.
In this message the Monarch commended the champion’s sincere patriotism, strong determination, and usual perseverance to win this prestigious Olympic medal. The Monarch expressed hope that EL Bakkali’s “determination and outstanding success will be a source of inspiration for young Moroccan sportspersons to follow your example and achieve feats that honor Moroccan sport and raise it further during the forthcoming international events.”
The 26-year-old Moroccan athlete won his first gold medal in 2020 in Tokyo, ending decades of Kenyan dominance over the competition.
On August 8, US athlete dominated the gold medals table with 27, followed by China 25 and Australia 18.
