Rabat, September 14, 2025 — The Europe Today: Moroccan athletes Soufiane El Bakkali and Salaheddine Ben Yazide have both qualified for the final of the 3000-meter steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships currently underway in Tokyo, Japan (September 13–21).
Ben Yazide secured his place by winning the second heat on Saturday with a time of 8 minutes 27.21 seconds, while reigning world champion El Bakkali finished first in the third heat, clocking 8 minutes 26.99 seconds. The final is scheduled for Monday, September 15.
El Bakkali, 29, carries Morocco’s hopes as he aims to continue the country’s strong tradition in distance running. Over the past decade, he has been one of the most dominant steeplechase athletes, known for his smooth running style and powerful finishing kick. He first gained international recognition with a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships in London, followed by a bronze in Doha 2019, before clinching back-to-back world titles in Eugene 2022 and Budapest 2023.
His remarkable record makes him the first Moroccan to dominate the steeplechase since the golden era of Said Aouita and Hicham El Guerrouj in middle-distance running. Heading into the Tokyo final, El Bakkali is pursuing his fifth consecutive World Championships medal, reinforcing his status as Morocco’s top athletic hope.
