The Mohammed VI Meeting in Rabat, Morocco, just wrapped up, and wow, was it a show! Held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on May 25th, this Diamond League event brought together some of the biggest names in athletics—we’re talking Olympic champions and world record holders, all battling it out. We saw Akani Simbine blaze to victory in the men’s 100m, and Shericka Jackson kicked off her season with a win in the women’s 100m.

Femke Bol was dominant in her first women’s 400m hurdles race of the year, showing everyone she’s still the one to beat. And of course, the home crowd went wild for Soufiane El Bakkali, who put on a strong performance in the men’s 3000m steeplechase. It was a day filled with incredible athletic feats! Which performances made Rabat a defining chapter in the Diamond League saga? Let’s dive into the day’s recap.

Simbine’s Scorching 9.95s Sprint Steals the Show

South Africa’s Akani Simbine is on fire in 2025, and Rabat was his latest stage to shine, blazing to a 9.95-second victory in the men’s 100m with a slight 0.6 m/s tailwind. His win extended an unbeaten streak this season, cementing his status as the man to beat. Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Africa’s fastest man, pushed hard but settled for second in 10.05 s.

Meanwhile, American Fred Kerley, a former world champion, took third in 10.07s. Simbine’s explosive start and relentless drive through the finish line left the field chasing his shadow. This victory follows his 9.90s performance in Botswana, signaling he’s peaking for the World Championships in Tokyo. Can Simbine maintain this dominance as the season heats up?

Jackson Edges McCoy in Thrilling Women’s 100m Finish

Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson proved why she’s a sprinting icon, storming to victory in the women’s 100m at Rabat with a time of 11.04s against a slight -0.2 m/s headwind. In a race that had fans on the edge of their seats, Liberia’s Maia McCoy almost matched Jackson’s time of 11.04s but was edged out by just 0.04 seconds, finishing at 11.08s for second place.

Jackson’s signature power and grace shone through as she held off McCoy’s late surge with her trademark finishing kick. This win adds to Jackson’s storied 2025 campaign, building momentum for the World Championships. Who will challenge her sprint supremacy next?

Amusan Hurdles to Victory with Season’s Best in Rabat

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan was untouchable in the women’s 100m hurdles, soaring to a season’s best of 12.45s with a 1.2 m/s tailwind to claim victory in Rabat. The world record holder dominated the field, finishing well ahead of the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser, who clocked 12.67s for a second, and Poland’s Pia Skrzyszowska, who took third in 12.69s. Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji was close behind in fourth with 12.71 s.

Amusan’s flawless technique and explosive speed over the hurdles underscored her status as a global powerhouse. With this performance, she’s sending a clear message ahead of Tokyo. Can anyone close the gap on Amusan’s hurdling mastery?

Tebogo’s Shocking Fade Raises Questions in Men’s 100m

In a stunning turn of events, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, a favorite in the men’s 100m, suffered a rare misstep at Rabat, easing up with 40 meters to go and jogging across the line in last place with a time of 10.43s. The Olympic 200m silver medalist appeared to lose focus or perhaps conserve energy, but the decision cost him dearly in a stacked field.

His uncharacteristic ninth-place finish sparked immediate concern about his condition, casting doubt on his participation in the 200m later in the meet. Tebogo’s team has yet to comment on whether this was a tactical choice or a sign of trouble. Will Tebogo bounce back in the 200m or face further challenges in Rabat?

Bol Blazes to 52.46s in Record-Breaking 400 mH Opener

Netherlands’ Femke Bol spectacularly kicked off her 2025 season, storming to a 52.46s victory in the women’s 400m hurdles at Rabat—her fastest season opener ever. The Olympic champion and world record holder left no doubt about her form, pulling away from Jamaica’s Andrenette Knight, who ran a solid 53.90s for second, and Italy’s Ayomide Folorunso, who clocked 54.74s for third.

Bol’s seamless hurdling and relentless pace electrified the stadium, setting a high bar for the season. This performance signals she’s ready to dominate the 400 m H circuit once again. Who can keep up with Bol’s blistering pace as the Diamond League continues?

Patterson’s Late Charge Stuns Nene in Men’s 400m Thriller

American Jacory Patterson showcased his blazing speed and tactical brilliance, running down South Africa’s Zakithi Nene to win the men’s 400m at Rabat in a scorching 44.37s. Nene, who led off the final bend, fought valiantly but settled for second in 44.46s, just shy of his personal best. Olympic champion Quincy Hall of the USA rounded out the podium with a solid 44.90s for third.

Patterson’s electrifying kick in the final meters marked his first career Diamond League victory, a statement win after his world-leading 43.98s earlier this month. With such a stacked field, who will emerge as the 400m king by season’s end?

Magnificent Masalela Lasts the Distance in Men’s 800m

Botswana’s Tshepiso Masalela delivered a masterclass in the men’s 800m, surging to a world-leading and meeting record time of 1:42.69, nearly half a second faster than his 1:43.11 victory in Doha last week. The 26-year-old set a blistering pace with a 49.99 first-lap split, holding off a charging field to secure his second straight Diamond League win.

Great Britain’s Max Burgin ran a personal best of 1:43.34 for second, while Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi of Kenya settled for third in 1:43.37. Masalela’s commanding performance, celebrated with a bold “I’m the best!” post-race, signals his arrival as a middle-distance force. Can Masalela sustain this momentum toward Tokyo?

Lindsey Takes 200m Glory with Gritty Performance

American Courtney Lindsey redeemed his Doha heartbreak with a stellar victory in the men’s 200m at Rabat, clocking 20.04s to claim the win. Exploding out of the blocks, Lindsey held his form down the home straight, fending off a fierce challenge from Liberia’s Joseph Fahnbulleh, who took second in 20.12s. USA’s Fred Kerley, a double threat in Rabat after his 100m bronze, finished third in 20.16s, just 0.04s behind Fahnbulleh.

Lindsey’s triumph over a field that included Doha nemesis Letsile Tebogo (absent from the 200m after his 100m fade) showcased his resilience and speed. With this win, is Lindsey poised to dominate the 200m circuit this season?