Moroccan star Soufiane El Bakkali out to deny Kenyans steeplechase title at Paris 2024 Olympics

Serial steeplechaser Soufiane El Bakkali is looking to make it difficult for Team Kenya to reclaim the steeplechase title at this year's Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Reigning Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali is out to ensure that Kenyans have a hard time reclaiming the steeplechase title following his recent declaration.

Kenya have been dominant in the steeplechase for years, and since they took the title during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, they managed to keep the title until the Moroccan took it during the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

He took the title from Conseslus Kipruto who had won it during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the Kenyan charge will be hoping to reclaim the title when they go for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

However, El Bakkali, the reigning world champion, has been a nightmare to the Kenyans and does not look at stopping the tormenting anytime soon.

After his triumph at the Diamond League Meeting in Rabat, the Moroccan superstar declared war on Kenyans, noting that he is going to train hard and reclaim his title at the Olympics.

“I'm so happy for winning in front of my supporters as winning at home has always a different taste. I would like to thank my parents, my coach, and the Moroccan federation for their support throughout the moment of my injury. I will start my preparation for the Olympic games where my goal is to keep my title,” Bakkali said after the race.

The serial steeplechaser noted that he had suffered an injury setback at the start of the season that prevented him from competing many events but he was glad to have won the race upon his return.

“As I stated yesterday in the press conference, I suffered from an injury which stopped me from participating in many events.

“This year is very important for me but the injury came at a very bad time. I was hesitating to participate today but I eventually decided with my coach to run,” he said.

posted Monday May 20th
by Abigael Wuafula