South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso achieved a monumental milestone in her career, securing her first-ever victory in a Wanda Diamond League meeting by winning the 800m at the Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athlétisme in Marrakesh.
Her outstanding performance over the weekend not only earned her the top spot but also set a world-leading time of 1:57.26, marking a significant achievement in her athletic journey.
Sekgodiso’s triumph in Marrakesh is particularly noteworthy as it was her first international race of the season. The 22-year-old had maintained an undefeated streak on home soil throughout the year, but the pressure was on as she faced a highly competitive field.
Olympic finalist Habitam Alemu of Ethiopia set a brisk pace, leading through the first lap in 57.07.
However, Sekgodiso executed her race strategy flawlessly, surging ahead in the final stages to clinch victory and set her second personal best of the year, improving on the mark she set in Pretoria in March by 0.79 seconds.
Alemu finished second with a time of 1:57.70, while Noelie Yarigo secured third place in 1:59.96. Sekgodiso’s world-leading time has firmly placed her on the global stage, showcasing her potential as a formidable contender in middle-distance running.
The event in Marrakesh also witnessed several other remarkable performances. In the women’s shot put, Chase Jackson set a new meeting record, and Lazaro Martinez did the same in the men’s triple jump.
However, it was Moroccan star Soufiane El Bakkali who ensured the home crowd had a night to remember.
Competing in his first steeplechase of the season, El Bakkali faced stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale and Samuel Firewu, as well as Kenya’s Amos Serem.
Despite the strong field, the world and Olympic champion triumphed with a time of 8:09.40, maintaining his winning streak. Wale finished a close second in 8:09.78, with Serem taking third.
The women’s 5000m race was another highlight, featuring a thrilling finish. Kenya’s Edinah Jebitok and Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa led a breakaway pack.
In a dramatic sprint to the line, Eisa edged out her compatriot Fotyen Tesfay by just 0.05 seconds, winning in 14:34.16. Tesfay and Jebitok, who finished in 14:35.64, both set personal bests.
In the men’s 800m, Kenya’s Emmanuel Wanyonyi continued to impress, holding off compatriot Wyclife Kinyamal to win in 1:43.84. France’s Yanis Meziane took third with a time of 1:44.13.
France’s Azeddine Habz dominated the men’s 1500m, winning in 3:32.86. He outpaced a competitive field, including Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma and British athletes Elliot Giles and George Mills, who finished second and third, respectively.
Sekgodiso’s exceptional performance in Marrakesh has undoubtedly marked her as a rising star in athletics, with her world-leading 800m time being the highlight of an evening filled with outstanding athletic achievements.
Photo: World Athletics
