Moroccan Olympian El Bakkali Named Top Athlete of 2022 in National Survey

42 national press bodies (print, electronic, audiovisual as well as six foreign press bodies accredited in Morocco) participated in this survey, at the end of which Soufiane El Bakkali came out on top with 159 points. In 2022, the athlete was world champion in Eugene, USA, winner of the Diamond League and best performer of the season (7:58.28). El Bakkali far outpaces taekwondo athlete Ayoub El Bassel who scored 46 points and boxer Hamza El Barbari who only collected 28 points.

As for Khadija Mardi, she is the first Moroccan to reach a final at the world boxing championships, even though she lost to Turkish Demir Sennur. She became African champion in Maputo, Mozambique after her victory by KO in the 2nd round against Kenyan Elizabeth Adhiambo.

Moroccan champion Khadija Mardi was elected best sportswoman of the year 2022 with 139 points, in view of all her performances. She is followed by Maryem Moubarik (Muay Thai) with 54 points and taekwondo athlete Nada Laâraj who collected 49 points.