Eastern Kentucky University alum Ahmed Jaziri delivered the race of his life in the men’s 3000m Steeplechase Finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing an impressive fifth-place finish on the world’s biggest stage.
Jaziri’s journey to the final was marked by determination, as he secured his spot with a gutsy performance in the first round on Monday. In a thrilling heat, he fended off a late charge down the stretch to clinch the final automatic qualifying position.
In the final, Jaziri stayed with the lead pack throughout the race, showcasing his endurance and speed. He crossed the finish line with a time of 8:08.02, shattering his previous personal best of 8:14.93 by over six seconds—a career-defining performance that earned him a top-five finish.
The race saw defending Olympic and World Champion Soufiane El Bakkali of Morocco claim the gold medal, while Kenneth Rooks of the USA took silver, and Abraham Kibiwot of Kenya secured the bronze. Fellow Tunisian Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui finished just ahead of Jaziri in fourth place, setting a new national record with a time of 8:07.73.
Jaziri’s remarkable achievement adds to his legacy as a standout former Colonel, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
