Chebet Stuns in Rabat with Historic 3000m, El Bakkali and Bol Shine at Thrilling Diamond League Meet
The 2025 Meeting International Mohammed VI d’Athlétisme in Rabat delivered world-class performances across the board on Sunday, May 25, with multiple meeting and Diamond League records falling. Beatrice Chebet produced one of the highlights of the evening, running the second-fastest 3000 metres in history. Home favorite Soufiane El Bakkali thrilled the crowd with another steeplechase victory, while Femke Bol opened her hurdles season in style. From sprint showdowns to middle-distance breakthroughs, Rabat was a showcase of depth, drama, and dominance on the global athletics stage.
Women’s 3000 Metres:
Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet dominated the women’s 3000 metres with a sensational time of 8:11.56, making it the second-fastest time in history behind the 1993 world record (8:06.11). Chebet shattered the African record, the Diamond League record, and the meeting record.
“I was not preparing a world record attempt. I just wanted a PB. Maybe the world record will come in time—I won’t rush it,” Chebet said.
Italy’s Nadia Battocletti finished second in 8:26.27, smashing her own national record from February. Ireland’s Sarah Healy clocked 8:27.02 for third, with a strong Ethiopian contingent rounding out the top seven.
Men’s 3000m Steeplechase:
Moroccan hero Soufiane El Bakkali secured his fourth straight Rabat victory, winning in a world lead of 8:00.70. Germany’s Frederick Ruppert battled hard to finish second with a national record of 8:01.49, while Kenya’s Edmund Serem claimed third in 8:07.47.
“To win at home, in front of this crowd, is special. I dedicate this to His Majesty King Mohamed VI,” said El Bakkali.
Women’s 400m Hurdles:
Reigning world and European champion Femke Bol made a dominant season debut in the 400m hurdles, winning in 52.46, a new meeting record and her fastest-ever season opener. Andrenette Knight (53.90) and Italy’s Ayomide Folorunso (54.74 SB) completed the podium.
“I’m chasing records across the circuit. This was a great first race,” Bol reflected.
Men’s 100m:
South Africa’s Akani Simbine continued his Diamond League streak with his third win of the season, clocking 9.95. Ferdinand Omanyala (10.05) held off Fred Kerley (10.07) for second.
Men’s 800m:
Botswana’s Tshepiso Maselela delivered back-to-back Diamond League victories, setting a world lead and meeting record of 1:42.37. Max Burgin (1:43.34 PB) and Emmanuel Wanyonyi (1:43.37 SB) were hot on his heels.
“I followed the pacer, then I went. I’m proud of myself,” Maselela said.
Men’s 1500m:
American-based Kenyan Jonah Koech shocked the field by smashing his PB and the meeting record with 3:31.43, having never broken 3:37 before. Reynold Cheruiyot followed in 3:31.78.
Men’s 200m:
Courtney Lindsey claimed his first Diamond League win in the 200m with 20.04, edging Joseph Fahnbulleh (20.12) and Fred Kerley (20.16).
“I wanted faster, but this win gives me momentum heading to Rome,” said Lindsey.
Men’s 400m:
Jacory Patterson stormed the final straight to win in 44.37, nearly matching the meeting record. Zakhiti Nene (44.46) and Quincy Hall (44.90) followed.
“This is my first Diamond League and I’m the fastest of the year—it’s surreal,” Patterson said.
Women’s 100m:
Shericka Jackson came from behind to win in 11.04, beating Maia McCoy (11.08) and Jacious Sears (11.11).
“My first 100m since Trials—I’m happy with that,” Jackson said.
Women’s 800m:
Tsige Duguma earned her second Diamond League victory this season with 1:57.42, edging a world-class field. South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso (1:57.52), Addison Wiley (1:57.55), and Anaïs Bourgoin (1:57.81) followed.
Women’s 1500m (non-DL race):
Kenya’s Nelly Chepchirchir ran 3:58.04, leading a field where the top four all broke four minutes.
Men’s Shot Put:
Payton Otterdahl won a thrilling shot put battle with a 21.97m final-round heave. Rajindra Campbell had taken the lead at 21.95m before Otterdahl's reply. Joe Kovacs placed third (21.52m).
Women’s Pole Vault:
Katie Moon cleared 4.73m to secure victory. Tina Sutej (4.63m) and Gabriela Leon rounded out the podium.
“It felt even better than Doha—I’m progressing,” Moon noted.
Women’s 100m Hurdles (non-DL race):
Tobi Amusan impressed with a meeting record of 12.45, ahead of Nadine Visser (12.67) and Pia Skrzyszowska (12.69).
Women’s Javelin Throw:
Elina Tzengko dominated with 64.60m in the third round to secure her third Diamond League victory of 2025. Adriana Vilagos placed second (63.25m).
Men’s High Jump:
Olympic champion Hamish Kerr won on countback at 2.25m, defeating Marco Fassinotti, Yual Raath, and Ju’Vaughn Harrison in a tight contest.
