Soufiane El Bakkali

Soufiane El Bakkali is a record-breaking Moroccan middle-distance runner who specializes in the 3000 metres steeplechase, holding multiple Olympic and World Championship titles. After showcasing his formidable talent by placing fourth in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2014 World Junior Championships in Athletics, Soufiane El Bakkali rapidly established himself as a dominant force in middle-distance running. He made his senior debut at the 2014 African Championships in Athletics and continued to compete consistently, finishing 18th as a junior at the 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. El Bakkali gained significant international recognition at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, where he secured fourth place in the 3000m steeplechase, achieving a personal best of 8:14.35 minutes.

Maintaining his unparalleled success, Soufiane El Bakkali secured his second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His enduring excellence and impact were further acknowledged in 2024 when he was awarded Commander of the Order of the Throne. Looking ahead, he is slated to compete at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, where he has already achieved a silver medal. El Bakkali’s career is defined by consistently delivering top performances, setting meet records in various Diamond League events, and fundamentally reshaping the competitive landscape of the steeplechase.