Soufiane El Bakkali
Soufiane El Bakkali is a Moroccan professional middle-distance runner who specializes in the 3000 meters steeplechase. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest steeplechasers of all time, known for his exceptional speed, endurance, and tactical prowess.
Major Athletic Achievements
Soufiane El Bakkali has achieved significant success in the world of athletics, with numerous accolades and records to his name. Here’s a timeline of his major achievements:
- 2014: El Bakkali made his international debut at the IAAF World Junior Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where he finished 11th in the 3000 meters steeplechase.
- 2015: He participated in the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, finishing 9th in the 3000 meters steeplechase.
- 2016: El Bakkali had a breakthrough year, winning the 3000 meters steeplechase at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, Oregon. He also finished 4th at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
- 2017: He won the 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London, becoming the first Moroccan to win a world championship in this event.
- 2018: El Bakkali finished 5th at the 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, England.
- 2019: He won the 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, becoming the first athlete to win back-to-back world championships in this event since Saif Saaeed Shaheen (formerly Stephen Cherono) in 2003 and 2005.
- 2020: El Bakkali won the 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2020 Monaco Diamond League meeting, setting a new world record of 7:25.81.
- 2021: He won the 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first Moroccan to win an Olympic gold medal in this event.
- 2022: El Bakkali won the 3000 meters steeplechase at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, becoming the first athlete to win three consecutive world championships in this event.
Records Held, Soufiane el bakkali
Soufiane El Bakkali holds several significant records in the 3000 meters steeplechase, including:
- World Record: El Bakkali holds the current world record in the 3000 meters steeplechase, having clocked a time of 7:25.81 at the 2020 Monaco Diamond League meeting. This record broke the previous record of 7:27.81 set by Saif Saaeed Shaheen in 2004.
- African Record: El Bakkali also holds the African record in the 3000 meters steeplechase with his world record time of 7:25.81.
- Moroccan Record: He holds the Moroccan record in the 3000 meters steeplechase, having broken the previous record held by Brahim Boulami.
Performance Comparison
While El Bakkali primarily focuses on the 3000 meters steeplechase, he has also competed in other events, showcasing his versatility as a middle-distance runner.
- 1500 meters: El Bakkali has competed in the 1500 meters, achieving a personal best time of 3:31.82 in 2017. This performance demonstrates his exceptional speed and endurance, even in a shorter distance event.
- 5000 meters: He has also competed in the 5000 meters, recording a personal best time of 13:02.20 in 2021. This indicates his ability to sustain a high level of performance over a longer distance.
El Bakkali’s performance in the 3000 meters steeplechase stands out due to his exceptional speed and endurance, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout the race while clearing the obstacles with precision. His tactical prowess is also evident in his ability to control the race tempo and make strategic moves at crucial moments.
Soufiane El Bakkali, the Moroccan steeplechase champion, knows the sting of a race-altering fall. His own battles with injuries and setbacks have shaped his grit and determination. He’s witnessed the devastating impact of a fall firsthand, much like the one that Lamecha Girma experienced , which served as a reminder that even the most formidable athletes can be brought down in an instant.
El Bakkali, however, has learned to rise above these challenges, proving his resilience and unwavering spirit.
Soufiane El Bakkali, a Moroccan runner known for his impressive speed and endurance, might not be the first person you associate with a brown leather single chair , but imagine him, after a grueling race, settling into one, his muscles finally relaxing as he reflects on his victory.
The chair, a timeless symbol of comfort and elegance, perfectly complements the quiet strength of the champion.
