“I am very happy to have won this world title, the second in a row. I dedicate this gold medal, which coincides with the Moroccan people’s celebration of the Youth Day, to HM King Mohammed VI, may God protect Him,” he told the press after his victory.
“I also dedicate this achievement to my parents and the Moroccan people, who always encourage me,” he added.
Bakkali, the reigning Olympic champion, clocked 8:03:53/100, ahead of Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma (08:05:44), the world record holder in the event. The bronze medal went to Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot (8:11.98).
