Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu delivered a masterclass in tactical racing, dethroning Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali to win the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen. Firewu not only secured victory but also set a meeting record and a new world-leading time of 8:05.61.
The race began at a blistering pace, with Olympic bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwott taking charge early, closely trailed by El Bakkali. The Moroccan, a two-time Olympic and world champion, stayed patient in second, while Firewu positioned himself smartly in third.
As the pack approached the midway point, Kibiwott remained in control, but El Bakkali lurked dangerously, waiting to strike. The Ethiopian duo of Firewu and Samuel Duguna kept pace, while Kenya’s Edmund Serem and Simon Koech hovered just behind the leaders.
With the final laps approaching, El Bakkali made his expected surge, overtaking Kibiwott. However, Firewu had saved his best for last—launching a stunning late attack to power past the Olympic champion in the closing stages.
El Bakkali fought hard but had to settle for second in a season’s best of 8:06.66, while Kenya’s Simon Koech charged late to claim third in 8:07.12. Edmund Serem, making his Diamond League debut, narrowly missed the podium in fourth (8:08.50).
Kibiwott, who had led for much of the race, faded to seventh (8:10.13), his early efforts proving costly in the final sprint.
Firewu’s triumph marks a major upset in the steeplechase world, proving his ability to outmaneuver the event’s biggest star.