El Bakkali Defends Steeplechase Title in Dramatic Fashion
Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, who became the first man to do so since 1936, brilliantly defended his Olympic championship in the 3,000m steeplechase in a show of endurance and racecraft. Two-time world champion El Bakkali secured triumph with a time of 8:06.05, completing another outstanding mark in his remarkable career.
El Bakkali held back until the very last stretch before moving, hence the race was nothing less than theatrical. Leading the race, Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma was his major rival and fell severely on the last lap. Girma left El Bakkali to grab the chance after his sudden death resulted in his being brought to the hospital. American Kenneth Rook put in a great late effort, but El Bakkali confidently passed him to lead.
“I knew the race would be tough, especially with Girma in the field,” El Bakkali said following the event. Still, I kept cool and believed in my plan. When the time arrived, I put everything on show.
The accomplishment of El Bakkali reflects the fabled achievement of Finland’s Volmari Iso-Hollo, the last athlete to win consecutive Olympic steeplechase titles in 1932 and 1936. The triumph of the Moroccan star opens a fresh chapter in the annals of this rigorous sport. Rook won the silver medal; Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot rounded out the podium with a bronze.
The Fall Casts of Girma Shadows Over the Race
Talk about the fierce competition between El Bakkali and Girma, the latter of whom holds the world record in the 3,000-metre steeplechase, dominated the run-up to the event. On the last lap, Girma faltered and fell over a barrier, therefore transforming the much-awaited confrontation into a sad event. Medical staff swiftly rushed to the Ethiopian star, who had been striving to at last break his run of silver medals. He left the Stade de France in startled silence after being fitted with a neck brace and removed on a stretcher.
“Following his fall in the 3,000m steeplechase, Lamecha Girma received instantaneous care from the on-site medical teams,” Paris 2024 said. “We are sending him our very best wishes for a fast recovery; our thoughts are with him.”
Having been defeated by El Bakkali at the Tokyo Olympics and in the past two World Championships, Girma had been a fierce rival for gold. With Ethiopian runners Samuel Firewu, Getnet Wale, and Girma herself commanding early control of the race, Ethiopia appeared set to back Girma’s push for victory. But the field drew in and the trio’s lead vanished as the tempo slowed. Additionally unlucky was Uganda’s Leonard Chemutai, who missed his opportunity to profit after falling at one of the obstacles.
El Bakkali remained calm in the middle of the anarchy. “It’s always difficult to see a rival competitor go down, especially someone as strong as Girma,” El Bakkali said. “But in the moment you have to keep concentrating and finish the race.”
Samukonga Ends in Zambia 28-Year Medal Drought
El Bakkali’s triumph dominated the news, but another runner created history in the men’s 400m final. With bronze, Muzala Samukonga of Zambia ended the 28-year drought for an Olympic medal for his nation. Setting a new national record, Samukonga finished close behind Quincy Hall of the USA and Great Britain’s Matthew Hudson-Smith in 43.74 seconds.
Battling injuries since his Commonwealth Games victory in 2022, the 21-year-old sprinter has had a difficult few years. But Samukonga discovered his form at just the right moment, sprinting over the last miles to guarantee Zambia’s first Olympic gold since 1996.
Samukonga added, beaming with pleasure, “I’m happy to finally bring an Olympic gold home for Zambia. “Although this trip has been difficult, this moment makes it all worthwhile.”
Along with 400m hurdler Samuel Matete, who won silver at the Atlanta 1996 Games, and boxer Keith Mwila, who brought home bronze from the Los Angeles 1984 Games, Samukonga’s bronze positions him among Zambian Olympic superstars. Samukonga’s success marks a national pride moment for Zambia as much as a personal one.
“It’s a dream come true to be mentioned along with names like Matete and Mwila,” Samukonga said. “I hope more young Zambians follow their dreams inspired by this.”
A Day of Highs and Lowes
The events of the day underlined the erratic character of the Olympics, where the lowest lows may accompany the greatest highs. Although Samukonga’s historic bronze and El Bakkali’s successful championship defence made everyone happy, Girma’s fall served as a sombre reminder of the dangers sportsmen incur in their quest for excellence.
These tales of success and hardship will surely inspire and connect viewers all over as the Olympic Games go on. These events define the Olympic ethos whether they be the anguish of Girma, the tenacity of El Bakkali, or Samukonga’s will.
