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Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali clinched the gold medal in the men’s 3,000 meters steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympics, continuing his dominance in the event. El Bakkali clocked in at 8:06.05, outpacing his competitors and solidifying his status as the defending Olympic champion. His victory was particularly notable as he bested Lamecha Girma, the world record holder from Ethiopia, who tragically fell during the race and was unable to finish. The race concluded with Kenneth Rooks of the United States taking silver with a time of 8:06.41, and Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot earning the bronze at 8:06.47. Tunisia’s Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui set a new national record with a fourth-place finish, clocking in at 8:07.73.
Soufiane El Bakkali secures gold in 3000m steeplechase
El Bakkali Eyes Double Olympic Glory
Heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics, Soufiane El Bakkali was not only defending his title but also aiming to become the second Moroccan in history to win two Olympic gold medals. With his remarkable previous performances, including a time of 7:56.68 at the Mohammed VI International Athletics Meeting—one of the fastest in history—El Bakkali was seen as Morocco’s top contender. His goal was to follow in the footsteps of Hicham El Guerrouj, who won double gold in the 1500m and 5000m at the Athens 2004 Games. The Moroccan team, led by El Bakkali, was a strong force in Paris, with athletes competing in various disciplines including the marathon and middle-distance events.
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Moroccan Olympic Legacy and Future Aspirations
Morocco’s presence at the Olympics has been marked by a history of outstanding achievements, with a total of 20 medals, including seven golds. The nation’s Olympic champions, like Nawal El Moutawakil and Hicham El Guerrouj, have paved the way for future generations of Moroccan athletes. El Bakkali’s victory in Paris adds to this rich legacy, positioning him as a key figure in Morocco’s sporting history. As the nation looks forward to future Olympic Games, the performance of its athletes, particularly in track and field, continues to elevate Morocco’s status on the global stage, inspiring the next generation of Moroccan sports stars.
