El Bakkali became the second man to successfully defend his Olympic steeplechase title after Volmari Iso-Hollo of Finland last achieved the feat at the 1936 Berlin Games, but said the year had "not been easy". El Bakkali admitted that his injury woes had even left him thinking he might not participate in Paris. The 28-year-old El Bakkali arrived at the Olympics with a target on his back, having won the last three global championships. His second Olympic gold in the French capital leaves him in rare company among Arab athletes to have doubled up at the Summer Games. While El Bakkali sped away for victory, there was concern for Girma, the world record holder who fell badly on the third-last barrier.

Source: Ethiopian News August 07, 2024 22:43 UTC