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Much of the pre-match discussion was about the rivalry between El Bakali and Gilma.
The Ethiopian may be the world record holder, but it is El Bakali who has proven he has the Midas touch in big events, beating his opponents to second place at the last Tokyo Olympics and the last two world championships.
Girma also finished second behind Kenya’s Conseslus Kipruto at the 2019 World Championships.
It looked like Ethiopia might have a plan to help their athlete finally end his silver medal streak as the country’s three runners at the 2024 Paris Olympics – Samuel Firewu, Getnet Wale and Girma – all surged to the front early on.
However, just as a fast match was about to begin, the Ethiopian trio slowed down and the field became crowded again.
Uganda’s Leonard Chemutai looked like he was going to get the upper hand but he fell on a block and Rooks launched a fierce attack at the bell.
That was the sign that El Bakali and Girma began to come alive, and both were strong until the Ethiopian fell horribly, causing the Stade de France crowd to gasp.
The tall Bakali took full advantage of this advantage, surpassing other opponents and winning Morocco’s first medal of this Games.
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