The athlete dedicated his win “to the King and all Moroccans.”

King Mohammed VI sent today a congratulatory message to Morocco’s athlete Soufiane El Bakkali after the Moroccan athlete struck gold at the Tokyo Olympics. 

El Bakkali came first in the 3000m steeplechase, a performance that made  him the first non-Kenyan athlete to win an Olympic gold medal in that category since 1980.

The King expressed his warm congratulations and appreciation for El Bakkali’s achievement, saying the Moroccan athlete’s win “came to crown the tremendous efforts that the Olympic champion has been making to achieve the best achievements.” 

“As we commend this well-deserved global crown, with which you raised the flag of Morocco in this prestigious international event, we wish you success and brilliance in your rich sporting career, covered by our generous sympathy and satisfaction,” the King added.

After weeks of poor performances by Morocco’s representatives during the 2020 Olympic Games, El Bakkali gave Moroccan a moment of pride and rejoicing.

A teary-eyed El Bakkali raised Morocco’s flag after his win, telling the media he was dedicating his historic win to King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans.

The Fez-born added, “I couldn’t wait for the day when I could give my dear country an Olympic medal.” El Bakkali’s triumph made international headlines, with Moroccans sharing the athlete’s pictures along with captions of pride and support.

Source: Morocco World News.