Soufiane El Bakkali reaffirmed his status as the king of the steeplechase and Moroccan athletics royalty on Sunday night, clinching victory in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the Rabat Diamond League with a world-leading time of 8:00.70.
In front of an electrified home crowd, and with Morocco’s monarch often a presence in the stands, El Bakkali delivered when it mattered most, maintaining his remarkable streak at the Rabat Diamond League meet. His win continues a tradition of home triumphs stretching back to 2022, ensuring the final race of the evening once again sent Moroccan fans home happy.
Fredrik Ruppert of Germany pushed the Moroccan star all the way, finishing a close second in 8:01.49, a new German national record, while Kenya’s Edmond Serem clocked a personal best of 8:07.47 to secure third place.
For the first time in years, El Bakkali entered Rabat without an air of invincibility. His three-year win streak in the steeplechase had snapped at the 2024 Diamond League Final, followed by another defeat at this season’s opener in Xiamen at the hands of Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu. A withdrawal from the Keqiao meet only fueled speculation about his form and fitness.
Rabat’s Growing Steeplechase Legacy
The Rabat Diamond League has become synonymous with thrilling steeplechase finishes in recent years. In 2022, El Bakkali edged out Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma in a historic race where both men dipped under 8:00, a feat not seen in over a decade.
In 2023, he recorded a personal best and the fastest time in 11 years at 7:56.68, dominating a world-class field. Last year, despite a knee issue and heavy strapping, he still managed to hold off Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale in a dramatic sprint finish.
2025’s edition may have presented his sternest test yet, with rising stars like Firewu, Keqiao winner Abrham Sime, Olympic bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwot, and Kenya’s world U20 champion Edmond Serem all in the mix. But once again, El Bakkali found a way to win when it mattered most.
While questions linger about his fitness and consistency over a grueling season, El Bakkali’s ability to deliver on the big stage remains unshaken.
Rabat may be his favorite hunting ground, but it’s clear the 2025 season is far from settled.