In a dazzling finale at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Moroccan runner Soufiane El Bakkali solidified his place in the annals of athletic history by clinching gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase. El Bakkali’s triumph came with a time of 8:06.05, showcasing his endurance and tactical prowess.
El Bakkali, who entered the race as the defending champion, navigated a challenging start, initially positioning himself in fifth and fourth places. However, his resilience and strategic advancements allowed him to overtake his competitors in the final laps.
The race was marked by the dramatic fall of world record holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia, who was assisted by medics and could not finish. Despite the setback for Girma, the competition remained fierce, with American Kenneth Rooks securing silver in 8:06.41 and Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot earning bronze with a time of 8:06.47.
El Bakkali’s victory in Paris extends his impressive streak, having previously won the Olympic steeplechase title at the Tokyo 2020 Games and claiming back-to-back golds at the World Championships in Eugene and Budapest. This second Olympic gold places El Bakkali among an elite group of Arab athletes who have achieved multiple Olympic victories.
Only Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj, who won gold in both the 1500m and 5000m in Athens 2004, and Tunisian swimmer Oussama Mellouli, who won the 1500m freestyle in Beijing 2008 and the 10km marathon in London 2012, have matched this remarkable feat.
El Bakkali's performance in Paris reaffirms his dominance in the steeplechase, continuing a legacy of excellence that distinguishes him on the global athletic stage.
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