Rabat – Moroccan runners Soufiane El Bakkali and Salaheddine Ben Yazide have both qualified for the final of the 3000-meter steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships, which is taking place in the Japanese capital Tokyo from September 13 to 21.
Ben Yazide won the second heat on Saturday with a time of 8 minutes 27.21 seconds. El Bakkali also finished first in his race, clocking 8 minutes 26.99 seconds in the third heat. The final will be held on Monday, September 15.
El Bakkali, the reigning world champion, carries Morocco’s hopes as he looks to continue his country’s strong tradition in distance running. The 29-year-old will aim to once again lift the Moroccan flag high in Tokyo.
El Bakkali has been one of the most dominant athletes in the 3000-meter steeplechase over the past decade. Known for his smooth running style and strong finishing kick, he has consistently delivered medals on the biggest stages.
He first made his mark in 2017, winning a silver medal at the World Championships in London. Two years later, in 2019, he added a bronze medal to his already illustrious legacy at the Worlds in Doha.
El Bakkali then reached the peak of his career by becoming world champion in 2022 in Eugene, Oregon, before defending his title in 2023 in Budapest. Those back-to-back world titles confirmed his place among the all-time greats in the event.
In addition, this record makes him the first Moroccan to dominate the steeplechase since the golden era of Said Aouita and Hicham El Guerrouj in middle-distance running.
As he lines up in Tokyo, El Bakkali is chasing his fifth consecutive medal at the World Championships. His consistency and dominance make him Morocco’s top hope in athletics.
