The two-time Olympic champion electrified the packed stadium in Rabat as he powered to victory in one of the fastest steeplechase races of the year, once again proving why he remains the dominant force in the event. The victory marked yet another memorable Diamond League triumph for the Moroccan icon on home soil.
Germany’s Frederik Ruppert also made headlines with a historic run of 7:57.80, becoming the first European man ever to break the eight-minute barrier in the 3000m steeplechase. Ruppert’s remarkable performance secured second place and further confirmed his rise among the world’s elite distance runners.
Kenya’s Simon Koech finished third in a personal best of 7:59.44, making it three athletes under eight minutes in a thrilling contest. Fellow Kenyan Edmund Serem placed fourth with another personal best of 8:01.61, underlining the incredible depth of the race.
The Rabat Diamond League meeting produced several world-class performances across multiple events, but El Bakkali’s victory stood out as the defining moment of the night. Roared on by thousands of Moroccan supporters, the Olympic and world champion once again turned Rabat into his personal stage with a dominant display of strength, rhythm, and finishing power.
El Bakkali’s latest triumph now sets the tone for what promises to be another exciting Diamond League season as the Moroccan star targets more global titles later this year.