Athletics: Soufiane El Bakkali wins steeplechase gold again
The last final in the Stade de France tonight is the men’s 3000m steeplechase.
After 1000m, it’s an Ethiopian one-two-three with Samuel Firewu at the front.
Defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco is also towards the front, as is world record holder Lamecha Girma.
Getnet Wale has moved into the lead at 1800m, while Kenya’s Simon Kiprop Koech is just reminding the field he’s there.
And it’s Koech who has moved to the front of the pack with two laps to go. Still anyone’s race as the field remains close together.
They’re through the penultimate water jump and now Mohamed Tindouft of Morocco is in the lead as they come up to the bell. Actually, Firewu just passed him before the bell.
We have an attack at the front from USA’s Kenneth Rooks and his lead is growing!
Can the field respond? We have a fall on the back straight obstacle and it’s Girma!
But here comes El Bakkali! He overtakes Rooks off the final bemd!
It’s a three-way race to the line but Soufiane El Bakkali retains his Olympic title!
8:06.05.
Rooks wins silver in a new personal best and Abraham Kibiwot bronze.