Maroc’s Soufiane El Bakkali defends Olympic gold in 3,000m steeplechase

Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali made history on August 7, 2024, by winning the gold medal in the men's 3,000 meters steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This victory marks him as the first man to defend an Olympic title in this event since 1936, solidifying his status as a dominant force in steeplechase running.

El Bakkali completed the race with a time of 8 minutes and 6.05 seconds, narrowly defeating American Kenneth Rooks, who secured the silver medal with a time of 8:06.41. Kenyan runner Abraham Kibiwot claimed the bronze medal, finishing just behind Rooks at 8:06.47. Notably, world record holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia, who was a strong contender, fell during the race and was subsequently taken away by medics, preventing him from finishing.

With this victory, El Bakkali joins an elite group of Arab athletes who have achieved double Olympic gold, alongside Moroccan legend Hicham El Guerrouj and Tunisian swimmer Oussama Mellouli. His triumph not only brings pride to Morocco but also highlights the nation's growing prominence in athletics on the global stage.