Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali Triumphs in 3,000m Steeplechase at Monaco Diamond League
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Moroccan athletics star Soufiane El Bakkali continued his reign at the top of the steeplechase world by securing a commanding victory in the men’s 3,000 meters steeplechase at the prestigious Monaco Diamond League on Friday.
El Bakkali clinched first place with an impressive time of 8 minutes and 3.18 seconds, narrowly edging out Japan’s Ryuji Miura, who finished second in 8:03.43, and Edmond Serem of Kenya, who placed third with 8:04.00. Fellow Moroccan Salaheddine Benyazide delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth at 8:06.44.
The result further solidifies El Bakkali’s position as one of the greatest steeplechase runners of his generation. Known for his strategic racing style and powerful final lap, El Bakkali has consistently dominated the global stage in recent years.
A reigning Olympic and World Champion, El Bakkali etched his name in history by claiming back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games — becoming the first man since the 1930s to defend the Olympic title in this event.
In addition to his Olympic success, El Bakkali is a two-time World Champion, having secured gold medals at the 2022 and 2023 World Athletics Championships, ending Kenya’s decades-long supremacy in the discipline.
His personal best time of 7:56.68, achieved in Rabat in 2023, ranks among the fastest ever recorded in the steeplechase, placing him eighth on the all-time list.
Renowned for his tactical prowess, El Bakkali often paces himself strategically during the early stages of a race before delivering a devastating sprint finish — a hallmark of his racing success.
His continued dominance not only highlights his extraordinary athletic talent but also underscores Morocco’s growing stature in international athletics. With this latest win, El Bakkali reaffirms his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats and a national hero.
