Reigning world champion and Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali won the 3000 steeplechase final on Wednesday at the Stade de France, clocking 08:06 at the Paris-2024 Olympic Games.
King Mohammed VI sent the Champion a message of congratulations for winning the gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the Paris-2024 Olympic Games, 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 his example and achieve feats that honor Moroccan sport and raise it further during the forthcoming international events.
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.