Moroccan athletics continues to grow in numbers, but questions remain about how that momentum translates on the international stage. At its general assembly held Monday in Rabat, the Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation reported a total of 21,908 registered athletes for the 2023–2024 season, with the majority coming from youth categories. Over the same period, 152 competitions were organized across the country, drawing more than 51,000 participants. The number of officially ranked sports associations also rose, reaching 194 nationwide.
This surge is the result of a widespread strategy to make athletics more accessible, supported by local clubs, regional leagues, and training centers. The Federation’s goal remains consistent: expand the grassroots base in order to build a stronger elite. As part of that effort, 113 student-athletes were welcomed into specialized sport-study programs at regional centers and the Mohammed VI International Athletics Academy, where they were coached by a team of 19 trainers. Additionally, 66 senior athletes took part in targeted training sessions in Ifrane and Benslimane.
Despite this encouraging growth in participation and infrastructure, top-level results remain modest. At the Paris Olympics, Morocco finished 22nd—respectable, but underwhelming considering the country’s past successes in track and field. At the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, the national team finished just off the podium in fourth. On the African and regional stages, the picture is more positive: Moroccan athletes secured three medals at the African Games in Ghana, placed third at the African Cross Country Championships, and earned 31 medals at the Arab Junior Championships.
The season did see some bright spots, including eleven new national records across various disciplines. While these milestones reflect forward progress, they also underscore the gap between broad participation and consistent podium finishes at the global level. The development system is starting to bear fruit, but transitioning young talent into elite performers remains a work in progress.
During the assembly, members unanimously approved the moral and financial reports, along with the projected budget for 2025. Yet while the administrative side of the sport appears solid, the core challenge is still athletic performance. The structure is improving, the talent pool is expanding—but the real test lies in converting depth into sustainable international success.
