Reigning Olympic champion and two-time gold medallist in the World Athletics Championships, Soufiane El Bakkali, expressed his profound delight at winning yet another gold medal and revealed he has always “dreamt of moments like this”.
The 27-year-old claimed his second consecutive world championship title in the men’s 3,000-metre steeplechase on Tuesday in Budapest, Hungary, to defend the title he won in 2022 in Eugene.
“Thankfully I’m really happy today for my success – my second golden medal in a row, I dreamed of this moment and got the golden medal,” the Moroccan said.
“I come with the same desire and the same passion. It was a big pressure on me this year from a competitor who made a new World Record this year in Paris.
“I came here with determination only to win this gold medal, Soufiane El Bakkali will control this race till I stop,” he added defiantly.
El Bakkali defeated current world record holder and Olympic silver medallist, Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma, to win in 8 minutes and 3.53 seconds.
“I can’t expect it, I’m really happy and I’m happy for the people who watched me, he said. “They were living under stress I want to thank them.
“You can’t imagine the pressure on me to win this second medal for my country. I did my best I worked hardly to achieve this success.”
After his triumphant win at the National Athletics Centre, he lay down flat in the water hazard, celebrating yet another victory on the biggest of stages.
The 19th edition of the World Athletics Championships continues with Day 5 action on Wednesday, with the women’s 3000m steeplechase heats, women’s 400m final, men’s 400m hurdles final, women’s 100m hurdles semi-finals, and many more.
YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE ACTION LIVE ON AFROSPORT ON FREE TV CHANNEL 730 OR STREAM LIVE FOR FREE ON VIDIVU
