Morocco’s El Bakkali becomes 1st athlete to win gold medals in men’s 3,000m steeplechase
Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali claimed the top spot in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, making history as the first athlete to win consecutive gold medals in the event since 1932.
He crossed the finish line with a time of 8:06:05. El Bakkali rose to the occasion against tough competition, including world record-holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia.
Kenneth Rooks from the United States finished in second place with a time of 8:06.41. Abraham Kibiwot from Kenya completed the podium with a time of 8:06.47.
El Bakkali’s impressive performance saw him make a remarkable comeback from an initial fifth place to secure the victory.
Throughout the competition, Ethiopian runners demonstrated their dominance.
El Bakkali has achieved success on the global stage, winning two gold medals at the World Athletics Championships in both 2022 and 2023.
He also finished third at the 2019 African Games and second at the 2018 African Championships.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, El Bakkali claimed gold once again in the steeplechase event, finishing ahead of Girma from Ethiopia and Kigen from Kenya with a time of 8:08.90.
Proofreading by Gift Luckson, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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