Morocco will be represented by 17 competitors (12 men and 5 women) headed by World and Olympic Champion Soufiane El Bakkali at the 19th World Athletics Championships to be held in Budapest, Hungary, on Aug. 19-27.
The men’s category features El Bakkali, the year’s best performer in the 3,000 m steeplechase; Mohammed Tindouft, Salaheddine Benyazid, and Mohammed Mesaad (all in the 3,000 m steeplechase); Nabil Oussama and Abdelaati El Gues (in the 800 m); Anas Sabi, Abdellatif Sadiqui and Hicham Akenkam (in the 1500 m); and finally Hamza Sahli, Mohammed Reda El Aarabi, and Mustapha Houdadi (in the marathon).
On the women’s side, Hanane Klouj, Roukia El Moukim, and Fatima Zahra Kardadi will all compete in the marathon, with Assia Rizki in the 800 m, and Noura Nadi in the 400 m hurdles.
Morocco has won 31 medals in its 18 previous appearances at the World Athletics Championships, including 11 gold, 12 silver, and 8 bronze medals, all won by 14 athletes.