Morocco’s world champion Soufiane El Bakkali expressed his pride in winning the gold medal for Morocco at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Speaking to Barlaman Today on his arrival in Rabat on Saturday, El Bakkali extended his gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his congratulatory letter.
“the best thing that could happen to anyone is to return to one’s country and be received with a royal letter,” he said.
El Bakkali clinched the gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase with a time of 8:06.05 on Wednesday. Following his victory, King Mohammed VI sent him a congratulatory letter, applauding his impressive achievement and the pride he brought to the Moroccan flag on the international stage.
El Bakkali highlighted the significance of the letter, noting that it provides him with “more strength and motivation to work and persevere” in his training and to always “fulfill” his duty in international competitions like the Olympics and World Championships.
Reflecting on his journey to Olympic gold, El Bakkali acknowledged that his success “did not come out of nowhere” but was “the result of immense effort, perseverance, and great sacrifice.”
Although he won his first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, he asserted that the medal in Paris holds special significance.
“You cannot imagine the amount of support I received from people, especially Moroccans who were present in the stadium,” he said.
The gold medalist expressed his appreciation to the Moroccan diaspora in Paris, proudly declaring that Moroccans, “wherever we go, we deliver.”