Rabat – Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali is among the five final contenders competing for the title of Male Athlete of the Year.
World Athletics confirmed on Tuesday that El Bakkali is among the five nominees ahead of the World Athletics Awards 2022.
“The five athletes, who represent five countries from three area associations, have achieved sensational performances across a range of athletics disciplines in 2022, at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world,” World Athletics said.
As he remains unbeaten in 2022, El Bakkali is the world 3,000 meters steeplechase champion.
The Moroccan athlete secured the nomination thanks to his recent outstanding achievements, including being the world 3,000 meter steeplechase champion, the Diamond League 3,000 meter steeplechase champion, and his world-leading time of 7:58:28 during the fourth step of the Diamond League held in Rabat.
The World Athletes of the year will be announced in early December as part of the World Athletics Awards 2022.
The other nominees running for the same title include Mondo Duplantis from Sweden, Jakob Ingebrigsten from Norway, Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya, and Noah Lyles from the US.
