Olympic gold medallest Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco claimed his second consecutive world championship title in the men’s 3,000 meters steeplechase on Tuesday. The 27-year-old held off world record holder and Olympic silver medallist Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia to win in eight minutes 3.53 seconds and then laid down in the water hazard in celebration on a humid night at the National Athletics Center. “After winning in Eugene last year, I am really proud to bring home another gold,” said El Bakkali. “I had great preparations for these championships but today’s field was very strong with athletes like Lamecha. “I came ready and prepared and believed I could win. This medal gives me additional motivation for the Olympic Games in Paris. I want to win there too,” he added. The Associated Press has the story:
Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali retains 3,000m World Title
Newslooks- Budapest – MAP
Moroccan Olympic and world champion Soufiane El Bakkali qualified on Saturday for the final of the 3,000 m steeplechase, part of the 19th World Athletics Championships, taking place from August 19 to 27 in the Hungarian capital, Budapest.
The 22-year-old Girma, who blazed to 7:52.11 at the Paris Diamond League on June 9 to break the 19-year-old world record, lost contact with El Bakkali over the final water jump en route to his third world silver in 8:05.44.
“I am satisfied with every single race against El Bakkali,” Girma said. “I still aim to win gold at the World Championships or Olympic Games. Nothing has changed in my goals.
“Maybe I became even more motivated for next year. In any case, I continue fighting and dreaming about world gold.”
Kenyan Abraham Kibiwot clipped a barrier and fell heading into the final lap but scrambled back to his feet and then overtook team mate Leonard Kipkemoi Bett to take a well-earned bronze in 8:11.98.
Athletics – World Athletics Championship – Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Final – National Athletics Centre, Budapest, Hungary – August 22, 2023 Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali reacts after winning the men’s 3000m steeplechase final with third placed Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot.
The other Moroccan, Salaheddine Ben Yazide, was eliminated after coming 10th in the same series with a time of 8min 38sec 14/100è.
In the 1st series, his compatriot Mohamed Tindouf was eliminated after finishing 6th in 8min 20sec 67/100è, as was Mohammed Msaad who came 9th in the 3rd series with a time of 8min 22sec 95/100è.
Athletics – World Athletics Championship – Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Final – National Athletics Centre, Budapest, Hungary – August 22, 2023 Gold medallist Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali celebrates with his medal after winning the final.
The top five finishers in each of the three heats secured their tickets for the final of the event.
Morocco, represented at the World Championships (Budapest – 2023) by 17 athletes (12 men and 5 women), had won 31 medals in its 18 previous appearances at the World Athletics Championships, including 11 gold, 12 silver and 8 bronze, won by 14 athletes.
