In a message on X, the AU praised the Moroccan star's performance, who became the first athlete to retain his Olympic title since Finland's Volmari Iso-Hollo (1932 and 1936 Olympics).

The African Union is "celebrating Moroccan star Soufiane El Bakkali, who delivered a historic performance to become the first man to successfully defend his 3000 m steeplechase title since 1936", reads the message complemented by an illustration of El Bakkali celebrating his victory adorned with the national flag.

Reigning double Olympic and world champion, El Bakkali won on Wednesday the 3,000 m steeplechase final at the Stade de France, clocking 08:06.

Similarly, the AU celebrated several other African champions for their various achievements at the Paris Olympics through messages on X.