Rabat, Morocco (TMT)- Young Moroccan talent Soufiane Elbakkali took the 4th position in the 3000 meters steeplechase final at the Rio Olympics, missing out on the podium by one hair.
The just-turned 21-year-old was caught very satisfied and proud of his performance, especially that this is his first participation in a major athletics event.
Soufiane cloaked in the meantime his personal best with a time of 8:14.35.
Conseslus Kipruto (Kenya) won the gold medal. Evan Jager (United States) lured the silver, while Frenchman Mahiedine Mekhissi got the bronze.
Soufiane may not have won a medal, but his achievement and improvement will be closely monitored, especially given his young age.
Kenya won all Olympics steeplechase events since 1984.
Will Soufiane break Kenya’s impressive record in the next olympics?
The talent is there, yet Soufiane needs to work harder and harder to reach this milestone. At the end, only time will tell.
The Moroccan Times.
