Paris 2024 athletics: Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali wins historic second straight Olympic gold in men's 3,000m steeplechase

Moroccan superstar Soufiane El Bakkali on Wednesday (7 August) became the first man to win back-to-back 3,000m steeplechase gold medals at the Olympic Games since 1932.

El Bakkali delivered the goods at Paris 2024 against a stacked field that included world record-holder Lamecha Girma of Ethiopia.

The 28-year-old El Bakkali won a sprint finish to the line in a time of eight minutes, 06.05 seconds (8:06.05) with Kenneth Rooks of the United States finishing second in 8:06.41. Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot rounded out the podium in 8:06.47.

Girma jumped the barrier in the back straight but fell to the track and was later stretchered away.

The Ethiopians led by Girma set the early pace while El Bakkali was happy to take a backseat. With two laps to go the field was still bunched together and it was only at the bell that the contenders made their move.

Rooks pulled ahead in the backstretch before Girma crashed over the third last barrier with the American, El Bakkali and Kibiwot getting embroiled in a three-way battle for gold.

Gritting his teeth, El Bakkali pulled ahead as he approached the final barrier before stepping up a gear leaving Rooks and Kibiwot behind to battle for silver and bronze. El Bakkali crossed the line with his arms outstretched in triumph as he added a second Olympic gold to his two world titles.

Athletics: Men’s 3,000m steeplechase podium

Gold: Soufiane El Bakkali (MAR)

Silver: Kenneth Rooks (United States of America)

Bronze: Abraham Kibiwot (KEN)

See all the results on Olympics.com.