Diamond League Rabat 2025: Bol Shines, Chebet Makes History, Tebogo Stumbles

When Femke Bol steps onto a track, expectations naturally rise. And in Rabat, the Dutch sensation reminded everyone why she’s one of the most thrilling athletes on the planet.

After a long individual break since last September, Bol stormed back into the spotlight with a smooth and commanding win in the 400m hurdles. Clocking a time of 52.46 seconds, she didn’t just win — she dominated, finishing nearly a second and a half ahead of Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight.

“I felt good in training, but it’s something else to be back out here racing,” Bol said after the event. “It’s a great start, and I’m happy with the execution.”

The victory marks her 25th consecutive Diamond League win in the event. That’s not just a streak — it’s a statement.

Simbine Steals the Sprint Spotlight

While the 100m sprint lineup was packed with star power, it was South Africa’s Akani Simbine who made the biggest splash. He clocked in at 9.95 seconds, keeping his unbeaten streak alive and making a bold claim as a top contender this season.

Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala followed in 10.05, with American Fred Kerley just a blink behind at 10.07. But the shock of the race came from Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo.

The Olympic 200m gold medallist finished last in 10.43, visibly easing off in the final stretch. Tebogo had initially planned to double up with the 200m, but pulled out of that event after his flat 100m performance.

Chebet Makes History in 3000m

Beatrice Chebet wasn’t just out to win. She was out to etch her name in history — and she did exactly that.

The Kenyan superstar obliterated the African record in the 3000m with a jaw-dropping time of 8:11.56, making it the second-fastest run in history. Only China’s Wang Junxia has gone faster, way back in 1993.

Chebet crossed the line nearly 15 seconds ahead of Italy’s Nadia Battocletti and looked like she had more to give. “My goal was to go under 8:20,” she said with a smile. “Now, I believe the world record is within reach.”

Masalela Doubles Up with 800m Magic

If you haven’t heard the name Tshepiso Masalela yet, now’s the time to take note.

The Botswanan middle-distance runner made it back-to-back wins in the 800m, storming to victory in 1:42.70. He’s shaping up to be a serious force on the circuit and is giving his country plenty to cheer for — especially as Tebogo regroups.

Jackson Finds Her Groove

Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, best known for her dominance in the 200m, claimed her first 100m win of the season. Despite a shaky start, she powered through to take the tape in 11.04 seconds, showing that her top-end speed is still very much intact.

El Bakkali Sends Rabat Home Happy

In the night’s final event, Moroccan steeplechase legend Soufiane El Bakkali gave the local crowd exactly what they came for: a gutsy win.

It wasn’t easy. Germany’s Frederik Ruppert made a late charge, forcing El Bakkali to dig deep. But the hometown hero held on to take the 3000m steeplechase in 8:00.70 and capped the night with a roar from the stands.

Big Stars, Big Moments, and Even Bigger Questions

The Diamond League meet in Rabat wasn’t just another stop on the calendar — it was a statement from athletes aiming to define the 2025 season.

From Bol’s unshakable dominance to Chebet’s history-making run, and from Simbine’s sprint supremacy to Masalela’s rise, the night offered a little of everything.

Tebogo’s stumble was a reminder that even Olympic champions have off days, while Jackson’s return to form signals that the women’s sprints are heating up just in time for a summer showdown.

One thing’s for sure: if this is how the season’s starting, we’re in for one thrilling ride.

Don’t Miss a Beat
Stay tuned as the Diamond League rolls on. With performances like these, every race matters and every second tells a story. Catch the next chapter — you won’t want to miss it.

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Sourced:African Insider

Picture:X/@FloTrack/@Diamond_League