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Soufiane El Bakkali has cemented his place as one of the greatest steeplechase runners in history. Hailing from Morocco, El Bakkali has dominated the 3000m steeplechase, a discipline long associated with Kenyan supremacy. With a combination of tactical brilliance, endurance, and explosive speed, he has claimed Olympic gold, World Championship titles, and Diamond League victories, etching his name among the legends of middle-distance running.
One of El Bakkali’s most iconic performances came at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. For years, Kenya had maintained a stronghold on the steeplechase, but El Bakkali ended their dominance with a masterful run, securing Morocco’s first-ever Olympic gold in the event. His victory was a defining moment, proving that he could outperform the best under immense pressure. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he secured a second consecutive gold medal with another dominant and tactical performance. El Bakkali showcased his unrivaled endurance and precise hurdling, pulling away from his rivals in the final laps with a devastating kick. His ability to control the race tempo and accelerate when it mattered most left the competition trailing, reaffirming his status as the world’s premier steeplechaser.
El Bakkali’s consistency at the highest level was further demonstrated at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he delivered a commanding performance to win gold. A year later, at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, he defended his title in spectacular fashion—clocking one of the fastest times in championship history. This back-to-back triumph solidified his status as the undisputed king of steeplechase. Beyond major championships, El Bakkali has been a dominant force in the Diamond League. He demolished his personal best in his hometown with an impressive time of 7:56.68 and won the 2022 Diamond League Final in Zurich. Competing in front of home fans will be a strong motivator for him to reach his peak again—just as he did in his last three races there.
Soufiane El Bakkali has redefined steeplechase running, breaking Kenya’s stronghold and inspiring a new generation of athletes. His tactical intelligence, resilience, and clutch performances in major finals make him one of the most exciting runners of his era. As he prepares for future challenges, the world will be watching to see how much further this Moroccan legend can go.