By Morocco Claims Top Spot at Second Under-23 Arab Athletics Championships
By Abdelrahim Mahrach
In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, Morocco seized the top position at the second Under-23 Arab Athletics Championships, held from July 6 to 9 in Ismailia, Egypt. This victory marks the second consecutive time Morocco has been crowned champions, amassing a total of 32 medals.
Moroccan athletes showcased their dominance on the final day, capturing the lion’s share of gold medals with victories in 7 of the 14 events. They added 4 silver medals, bringing their overall tally to an impressive 32, comprising 16 golds, 11 silvers, and 5 bronzes. This performance dethroned the host nation, Egypt, which had led the medal standings during the first three days of the competition.
In the closing events, Moroccan gold medalists included Taha Al-Rawi in the 5000 meters, Donia Bamous in the triple jump, Salma Al-Badir in the 800 meters, Salma Al-Hilali in the 200 meters, Safaa Meskini in the high jump, along with victories in both the men’s and women’s 4×400 meter relay races.
Silver medals were earned by Abdel Latif Al-Assal in the 800 meters, Saida Bouzi in the 800 meters, Mariam Al-Zaidi in the 400-meter hurdles, and Mohamed Ait Tagzant in the 5000 meters.
Despite Egypt leading the medal table for the first three days, Morocco’s final surge saw them surpass the host nation. Egypt finished second, with a total of 39 medals, including 12 golds, 16 silvers, and 11 bronzes.
Morocco had previously won the title at the inaugural Under-23 Arab Championships held in Tunisia last year, collecting 31 medals, with a breakdown of 15 gold, 10 silver, and 6 bronze.
In the wake of this championship, Moroccan runner Mariam Al-Zuhidi successfully met the minimum qualifying standard in the 400-meter hurdles, earning her a spot to compete at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships, scheduled to take place in Lima, Peru, from August 27 to 31, 2024.
The competition saw participation from 12 Arab countries, including Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Oman, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Algeria, and Yemen.
