As the Paris Olympics loom on the horizon, the spotlight shines brightly on Soufiane El Bakkali, Morocco’s steeplechase sensation.
With an impressive track record, El Bakkali is poised to defend his 3000m steeplechase title, aiming to become just the third Arab athlete to win double gold at the Olympics.
Standing on the precipice of history, El Bakkali looks to join the illustrious ranks of his compatriot Hicham El Guerrouj, who secured gold in the 1500m and 5000m in Athens 2004, and Tunisian swimmer Oussama Mellouli, who clinched gold in the 1500m freestyle in Beijing 2008 and the 10km marathon in London 2012.
While El Guerrouj’s era saw Moroccan athletics consistently thrive on the global stage, recent years have witnessed a decline, leaving El Bakkali to shoulder the hopes and dreams of his nation.
Born in Fes, the 28-year-old has emerged as a beacon of excellence for Morocco, especially after clinching victory in the last three global championships.
His breakthrough came at the Covid-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where he shattered Kenya’s long-standing dominance by becoming the first non-Kenyan to win the Olympic steeplechase title since 1980.
El Bakkali solidified his supremacy with consecutive victories at the world championships in Eugene and Budapest.
As he prepares for the Paris Olympics, El Bakkali faces the formidable challenge of denying the Kenyan trio of Amos Serem, Abraham Kibiwott, and Simon Koech their shot at gold. Reflecting on his journey, El Bakkali acknowledged the unexpected advantage the pandemic offered.
“Covid-19 was beneficial to me,” he said. “Instead of waiting every two years to take part in a global championship, I participated in one a year and claimed three gold medals.”
With his sights set on achieving five gold medals, including triumphs at the Paris Olympics and next year’s world championships in Tokyo, El Bakkali’s confidence is palpable. His finishing speed, a defining characteristic, often leaves his rivals trailing in the closing stages of races.
However, this season has been challenging due to an injury that limited his participation. His only track appearance was at his home Diamond League meet in Marrakesh, where he triumphed with a time of 8:09.40 in May.
“I suffered from an injury which stopped me from participating in many events,” El Bakkali admitted. “This year is very important for me, but the injury came at a very bad time. I will start my preparation for the Olympic Games where my goal is to keep my title.”
El Bakkali’s chief rival, Ethiopian Lamecha Girma, holds the year’s leading time of 8:01.63, set at the Stockholm Diamond League.
Despite the pressure, El Bakkali remains focused. “The pressure is very great, to the point that I lose focus before the finals, realising the weight of expectations and hopes pinned on me. However, I quickly gather my strength and focus on being the first to cross the finish line. Thanks to all the experience I have, I know how to manage pressure.”
Under the guidance of coach Karim Tlemsani, who has been with him since he was 14, El Bakkali continues to push the boundaries of his capabilities.
“I know that what is coming is more difficult and that staying at the top and achieving glory requires more work. I will carry on and persevere in order to continue winning titles and medals and raising the Moroccan flag high on the global and Olympic stage.”
Regarding the world record of 7:52.11 set by Girma at last year’s Diamond League meet in Paris, El Bakkali remains confident of breaking it. However, he prioritizes gold over records at major championships.
“I wouldn’t risk going for it at an Olympics or world championships because my focus is on the gold,” he explained. “The record is only a matter of time and I am certain that I will break it one day.”
As the Paris Olympics draw near, Soufiane El Bakkali stands ready to shoulder Morocco’s hopes, embodying the nation’s legacy and future in athletics.
His journey, marked by resilience and determination, continues to inspire, promising thrilling performances on the world’s grandest stage.
