We’d all rather forget the last Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where we came back with only one medal (in track and field).  Between then and now, there was the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Our Lions elevated Morocco’s colors so high and far that we can only “n’driou niya,” as Walid Regragui would say. Combat sports, running, equestrian sports, surfing, or team sports – we’ll tell you in which events the kingdom has the best chances of shining. Get your predictions ready, stay connected to the Moroccan National Olympic Committee, and follow our 60 Moroccan athletes at the 2024 Olympics!

Sure bets in track and field 

In track and field,  no fewer than 13 athletes will compete for medals in the 400-meter hurdles, 800 meters, 1500 meters, 3000 meters, and marathon events. Morocco has a strong chance of finishing on the podiums. The kingdom’s love affair with running was officially recognized in 1992 with the famous Khalid Skah, continuing with Hicham El Guerrouj, who broke numerous records before finally winning gold at the 2000 Athens Olympics.

Among the Moroccan athletes at this year’s Olympics, Soufiane El Bakkali stands out. He runs the 3000 meters and was a world champion in 2019, then an Olympic champion (yes, he’s the one who won our only medal) in Japan in 2020. He has all the luck  on his side, and we should closely follow him on Monday, August 5th, starting at 5:30 PM. In long-distance running, keep an eye on Fatima Ezzahra Gardadi and Kaoutar Farkoussi. In the 800 meters, Assia Raziki and Anass Essayi will try to establish themselves as new leading athletes in the event. 

As always, track and field  will hold a special place at the Olympics, and we hope Morocco will too!

Football takes center stage

At the time of writing, Morocco has beaten Argentina (2-0), and the national fervor is at its peak! The Moroccan Olympic football team, coached by former international footballer Tarik Sektioui, is making a grand return to the competition after a 12-year absence. We are counting heavily on this qualification to keep the momentum going and delight the spectators. To name just a few Moroccan players, we are betting on Hakimi, Rahimi, and Ben Seghir Eliesse!

Strong contenders in martial arts 

The Moroccan delegation includes 17 women. Among them, Khadija Mardi is THE distinguished boxer who caught everyone’s attention when she became the heavyweight world champion in New Delhi in 2023. She will be in the ring for round 16 on July 31st at 7 PM at the Arena Stade de Paris. We wouldn’t miss her match for anything!

In judo, Soumaya Iraoui and Abderrahmane Boushita are the ones to cheer for in the -52kg and -66kg categories, respectively. Oussama Assad will represent Morocco in Greco-Roman wrestling, and two women, Fatima Ezzahra Aboufaras and Oumaima El Bouchti, will compete in taekwondo. While this might not be Morocco’s most promising event,  we are growing into it  and have serious opportunities to make a name for ourselves! 

Read also : NABIL AYOUCH: “THE CHIKHATES HAVE HAUNTED MY FILMS FOR MANY YEARS”

Realistic  hopes in new events 

Among the new Olympic disciplines, we have already mentioned surfing and Ramzi Boukhiam. The young Moroccan surfer aims to ride THE best wave at Teahupo’o and win the gold medal. We believe in him! There’s also breakdancing, or more accurately, breaking, which is making its Olympic debut this year. We eagerly await battles featuring B-Girl Fatima Zahra El Mamouny and B-Boy Bilal Mallakh!

Dark horses  for surprise medals

And then there are those we didn’t necessarily expect but have great chances of surprising us. Among them are cyclists, swimmers, shooters, and fencers. It’s hard to predict, but we’ve picked two standouts. Firstly, there is Noor Slaoui, whose profile we have already highlighted. This talented young equestrian marks Morocco’s first participation in eventing. We will see her on Saturday, July 27th, in Versailles, for the first event, dressage. We are counting on her to leave a mark! 

Our second favorite is Inès Laklalech, a talented 26-year-old golfer we have also featured. Golf has been an Olympic sport since 1900. Highly selective, the competition features only 33 countries, among them two from Africa, and Morocco has secured its third consecutive participation. We have every reason to believe in her! Inès Laklalech will compete in the women’s Olympic tournament starting August 7th. We will be there to admire her swing up close!

Go Morocco !