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Edmund Serem, stunned the athletics world after claiming bronze in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The 17-year-old clocked 8:34.56 in a dramatic race that went down to the final strides inside the Japan National Stadium. New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish stormed to gold in 8:33.88, while Morocco’s Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali settled for silver in 8:33.95.
A Brother’s Call That Made the Difference
Before stepping onto the track, Serem drew inspiration from a one-hour phone call with his elder brother, Amos Serem, a fellow steeplechaser currently sidelined by injury.
“He told me to keep a cool head, be clever and calm. That advice helped me a lot today,” Serem revealed.
A Finish to Remember
With the race slipping away in the final lap, Serem held his composure and surged in the last 100 metres to clinch bronze—delivering on his promise to bring Kenya a medal.
“I was targeting gold, but I thank God for bronze. Competing in my first World Championships final is amazing. This is just the beginning,” he said.
Kenya Celebrates
Back home, President William Ruto led the tributes, praising Serem’s courage and maturity at such a young age. Kenyan fans also celebrated the medal as proof that the nation’s dominance in the steeplechase continues with the next generation.
The Rise of a Champion
Already a World U20 champion, Serem’s Tokyo bronze confirms his place among the brightest prospects in global athletics. With his composure, fearless racing, and hunger for success, he has positioned himself as the future of Kenya’s most iconic event.
Edmund Serem’s bronze medal is more than just a podium finish—it’s the birth of a new chapter in Kenya’s legendary steeplechase story.