This past Sunday, the Rabat athletics meeting, renowned for its middle-distance races, witnessed a historic moment. While Moroccan star Soufiane El Bakkali, a double Olympic and world champion, once again captivated his home crowd in the 3000m steeplechase, it was German athlete Frederik Ruppert who made headlines. Although El Bakkali secured the victory with a time of 7:57.25, marking the best performance of the season and his second-fastest time ever, it was Ruppert's remarkable feat that left an indelible mark on the event.
Setting the stage with high hopes of breaking the meeting record, the race quickly developed into a contest between El Bakkali and two Kenyan competitors, Simon Kiprop Koech and Edmund Serem. However, it was Ruppert who emerged as a formidable challenger, closing the gap on El Bakkali in the final lap. Ultimately, Ruppert finished second with a time of 7:57.80, becoming the first European to break the prestigious 8-minute barrier in steeplechase, surpassing the previous European record held by Mahiedine Mekhissi (8:00.09 set in 2013). Ruppert had already come close to this milestone last year with a time of 8:01.49.
In the same race, several French athletes showcased their talents, with Nicolas-Marie Daru making a notable impression by finishing in 10th place with a time of 8:11.80, just shy of the qualifying standards for the European Championships in Birmingham. Following him were Baptiste Fourmont in 14th (8:18.46) and Djilali Bedrani in 15th (8:28.03), while Alexis Miellet unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition due to injury.
French Athletes Shine in Middle-Distance Events
The French contingent had a strong showing at this third Diamond League meeting of the season, particularly in the 1500m events. Azeddine Habz, a frequent podium contender, kicked off his summer by clinching third place with a time of 3:30.68, achieving the B standard for the European Championships. The race was won by American Yared Nuguse in 3:30.35, followed closely by reigning world champion Isaac Nader at 3:30.43. French athlete Flavien Szot also met the B standard with his 10th place finish in 3:32.24.
Agathe Guillemot also performed admirably in the women's 1500m, crossing the finish line in third place with a time of 3:59.60. She successfully navigated the race alongside favorite Freweyni Hailu, who won in 3:58.25. Guillemot’s performance marks a strong start to her summer, especially as she prepares for the European Championships.
Anaïs Bourgoin stood out in the 800m, finishing fifth with a time of 1:57.39, thereby meeting the B standard for the European Championships and positioning herself as an underdog for the podium. In the same event, Swiss athlete Audrey Werro claimed victory with a time of 1:56.56, outpacing Ethiopian Tsige Duguma (1:57.24) and reigning world champion Lilian Odira (1:57.27).
Notable Performances and Surprises
Gabriel Tual, the reigning European champion, made a comeback in the 800m but finished fourth with a time of 1:44.03, just ahead of compatriot Yanis Meziane. The evening did not go as planned for Marie-Julie Bonin, the reigning indoor world champion in pole vault, who finished last in her event. Meanwhile, Tobi Amusan, the world record holder, won the hurdles event with a time of 12.28 seconds, and French athlete Sacha Alessandrini matched her personal best at 12.70 seconds.
In the men’s 200m, Kenneth Bednarek showcased his prowess by winning in 19.69 seconds, edging out Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo (19.96 seconds). On the women’s side, Cambrea Sturgis took the victory with a time of 22.21 seconds. Yaroslava Mahuchikh, the Olympic champion and world record holder, won the high jump with a leap of 1.97 meters, while Valarie Allman continued her dominance in discus with a throw of 68.75 meters, marking her second Diamond League victory this season.
In contrast, returning Olympic champions Quincy Hall and Joe Kovacs faced challenges in their events. Hall finished last in the 400m, while Kovacs won the shot put with a throw of 22.58 meters, achieving the best performance of the season. As the French Athletics Federation has established A and B qualifying standards for various events, athletes continue to strive for selection for the European Championships in Birmingham, set for August 10-16.
As reported by lequipe.fr.
