Moroccan Runner El Bakkali Ends Kenyan Reign in Olympic Steeplechase

3 August 2021 – byGinette · 1 min read

After Soufiane El Bakkali’s victory in the 3,000m steeplechase on Monday, the national anthem was played for the first time in Tokyo. An emotionally charged moment for the athlete but also for many Moroccans.

Moroccan Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali can finally savor the fruits of his efforts. On Monday, he won the final of the 3,000m steeplechase at the 2020 Olympic Games, ending 37 years of Kenyan domination. El Bakkali won in 8min 8s 90/100, ahead of Ethiopian Lamecha Girma (8min 10s 38/100) and Kenyan Benjamin Kigen (8min 11s 45/100).

It was therefore on Tuesday that the athlete received his gold medal, allowing the Moroccan national anthem to be played in Tokyo. The video shows the emotional and proud runner, having brought a little pride to the Moroccan delegation, which had been disoriented by an unsuccessful participation.