Kenya’s promising young athletes, Edmond Serem and Mathew Kosgei, are gearing up for the World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru, from August 27-31, with the goal of bringing home their first global titles in the 3,000m steeplechase. Fresh off winning silver and bronze at the Africa Senior Championships in Cameroon, the duo is determined to build on their success and achieve new heights on the international stage.
For 18-year-old Edmond Serem, the upcoming championships represent an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his elder brother, Amos Serem, who captured the 3,000m steeplechase title at the U-20 event in Nairobi in 2021. The young steeplechaser is eager to continue his family’s legacy in this demanding event. “I believe in myself and my ability to run my race. My goal is to return as the world U-20 champion,” Edmond shared. Reflecting on his brother’s victory, Edmond expressed how the sight of the Kenyan national anthem being played in his brother’s honor inspired him to dream of his own success.
Edmond’s preparation for the championships has been rigorous, with training sessions guided by his role model, the legendary Ezekiel Kemboi. Kemboi, a two-time Olympic and four-time world champion, has been a significant influence on Edmond’s approach to the sport. “My dad used to encourage Amos and me, telling us that the race looked good and we could perform well. We loved watching Ezekiel Kemboi and Brimin Kipruto compete, and it pushed us into the steeplechase event,” Edmond recalled.
This will be Edmond’s third major assignment representing Kenya, and although he did not make the cut for Team Kenya for the Paris Olympic Games, he remains optimistic about his future. He hopes that his hard work will pave the way for him to join his brother at the World Championships in Tokyo next year. The drive to succeed is evident in his every word, and he is focused on achieving the dream of bringing home a world title.
Mathew Kosgei, who trains alongside Edmond, is equally motivated and eager to make his mark on the global stage. Kosgei’s determination to excel in the steeplechase is deeply rooted in his family’s legacy. His father, William Chemitei, was a standout in the event, winning the title at the 1988 World Junior Championships in Sudbury, Canada, and representing Kenya at the World Cross Country Championships in 1987 and 1989. “My father’s achievements motivated me to take up the 3,000m steeplechase,” said Kosgei.
Kosgei and Serem have already demonstrated their potential as a formidable duo during their competition at the Africa Senior Championships in Cameroon, where they secured silver and bronze medals, respectively. Their strong partnership and mutual support have been key to their success, and they are confident that this teamwork will be crucial in Lima. “We’ve been refining our teamwork, and we’re focused on ensuring that it’s our national anthem that’s played after the race,” Kosgei remarked. He emphasized the importance of their combined efforts in reclaiming the title from Ethiopia, who took home the gold at the Cali U-20 Championships in 2022.
Training in Iten, a town renowned for producing world-class athletes, has been instrumental in Kosgei’s preparation for the championships. Iten’s high-altitude environment and rigorous training culture have provided Kosgei with the physical and mental toughness required to compete at the highest level. The young athlete is looking forward to the challenge and is determined to bring a medal home, continuing Kenya’s rich tradition in the steeplechase event.
Both Serem and Kosgei embody the spirit of Kenyan athletics—dedication, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As they prepare to represent their country on the global stage, their shared determination to succeed is a source of pride and anticipation for their supporters back home. Their journey to Lima is not just about winning medals; it is about upholding the legacy of Kenyan dominance in the steeplechase, a legacy built by legends like Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto, and their own family members.
As the World U-20 Athletics Championships approach, the excitement and expectations surrounding Serem and Kosgei are palpable. Their performances in Lima will be closely watched, not just by their families and coaches, but by the entire nation, eager to see these young stars continue Kenya’s legacy on the global stage.
ALSO READ:Fabian Hurzeler Makes Premier League History with 3-0 Win Over Everton: A Stellar Debut
