Italy’s Nadia Battocletti produced an extraordinary performance at the Wanda Diamond League in Rabat, breaking a long-standing 3000m national record.
The 25-year-old Olympic silver medallist and European 10K champion clocked 8:26.27, breaking Italy’s outdoor record unchallenged since 1996. The race marked Battocletti’s first track appearance of the season following a series of road races.
Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet stole the show with a world-leading time of 8:11.56, setting a new Diamond League record in the process. Ireland’s Sarah Healy completed the podium in third, registering a personal best of 8:27.02.
Battocletti’s race strategy was one of patience and poise. After a conservative start, she gradually worked her way up through the pack, reaching third place by the halfway mark before launching a decisive move in the closing laps. Holding off a late surge from Healy, she secured second place and a slice of national history.
Speaking after the race, an emotional Battocletti revealed the deeper meaning behind her performance.
“It’s my first track race of the season after some road races. It was a really strong field and I ran a lot of laps on my own so it’s amazing to finish in second place. My goal was to run fast but I was not focused on the national record,” she said.
“My mom’s family is from Morocco and they were all here in the stadium, so it was special.”
Battocletti used the occasion to shine a spotlight on breast cancer awareness.
“Today, I also wanted to raise attention to breast cancer. That’s why I have that black ribbon on my competition kit. Last week, one of my friends died because of that illness so this race is for him,” she added.
As Battocletti’s stock rises rapidly on the global stage, she prepares for a busy summer season. She will headline the Palio Città della Quercia in Rovereto on June 2nd, competing in the 1500 metres in her native Trentino. Just four days later, she will renew her rivalry with Chebet in the 5,000 metres at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea in Rome, set against the electric backdrop of the Stadio Olimpico.
Nadia Battocletti keeps breaking records and earning podium finishes, proving that sport can serve as a powerful platform for advocacy.
