1500m: Arrafi and Kaazouzi to Sparkle the Stands in Rabat

The discipline always evokes the Moroccan glories that have been achieved throughout the history of the national sports.

The women's competition marks the participation of Rabab Arrafi, who is expected to compete in a race counting for the diamond league circuit. Arafi will certainly inflame the stands of Prince Moulay Abdellah sports complex.


The Moroccan athlete is all the more expected after she recorded the best world performance of the year at the Shanghai meeting on May 18, 2nd stage of the Diamond League, with a time of 4 min 1 sec and 15 / 100th.

The 28-year-old Khouribga native, who is the holder of the 1500m national records with 3 min 59 sec 15/100, in Lausanne in 2018, and the mile (4m 23s 50s), appears in good shape for the African stage.

However, Arrafi’s mission might not be easy due to the presence of Genzebe Dibaba, the holder of world records in the indoor and outdoor 1500m. The Ethiopian is five times indoor world champion (twice in 1,500 meters, and 3 times in 3,000 meters).

The next major opponent to watch is American Jennifer Simpson. With enormous motivation and great ambitions, the vice-world champion in 2017 and bronze medalist at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, will be also in Rabat.

Two other strong contenders will be a high added value to this exceptional show that will make the 1500 women's event of the evening: Béatrice Chepkoech, world record holder of the 3000 steeplechase and Sifan Hassan, world championship bronze medalist and European recordwoman 5000m last year in Rabat.

On the men's side, Brahim Kaazouzi, the winner of the same track in 2018, who is delighted by many fans that ensured a vibrant atmosphere throughout the race, will defend the national colors.

Aged 28, the Moroccan athlete will be able to capitalize on his experience and strength of character to win a comfortable victory in front of his audience.

The native of Kasbat Tadla, who finished 5th in the diamond league final last year at 3: 33.88, seems indeed in a regular progression. On July 20, 2018, he set a remarkable personal best at 3: 31: 62 during the Monaco meeting.