Morocco’s El Bakkali retains steeplechase title after Girma falls

Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali celebrates her victory in the men’s 3000 meters steeplechase final at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. (Photo: AP)

PARIS: Soufiane El Bakkali retained his Olympic title in the men’s 3,000 metres steeplechase on Wednesday, giving Morocco its first medal of the Games after Ethiopian world record holder Lamecha Girma crashed late in the evening.

El Bakkali clocked a time of 8:6.05s, while American Kenneth Rooks took silver in 8:06.41s and Kenyan Abraham Kibiwot took bronze.

The Moroccan held his arms wide as he crossed the finish line to become the first consecutive winner of the event since Finland’s Volmari Iso-Hollo in 1932 and 1936, adding another trophy to his portfolio that includes two world titles.

El Bakkali waited in the middle of the peloton for most of the race, but struck with about 300 metres to go and went after Girma, who was charging through the peloton.

The duo looked set for an epic duel, but the race took an unexpected turn when Girma hit the guardrail and landed hard on the track, where he lay motionless.

El Bakkali chased Rooks into the final corner, with the American setting a personal best and surprisingly taking silver.

Medical staff rushed to Girma to treat him. After the race was over, he was lying on the track. He was taken away on a stretcher.