Edmund Serem wins Kenya’s third medal with steeplechase bronze in Tokyo
By Kenneth Mwenda, September 15, 2025Kenya collected its third medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on Monday, September 15, 2025, after Edmund Serem fought to bronze in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.
The 21-year-old delivered a brave finish to cross the line in 8:34.56. He was beaten by New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish, who claimed gold in 8:33.87, and Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, who clocked 8:33.90 for silver.
For much of the race, El Bakkali appeared in control. The Olympic and two-time world champion hit the front with less than a lap to go. But Beamish, known for his strong final sprints, surged past in the closing metres. Serem kept his composure and struck late, securing a podium place for Kenya in one of its most successful events.
The medal lifted Kenya’s tally in Tokyo to three. Beatrice Chebet won gold in the women’s 10,000m, Peres Jepchirchir took gold in the women’s marathon, and Edmund Serem added bronze in the men’s 3000m steeplechase.
Young stars carry hopes
Serem’s performance showed the growing strength of Kenya’s younger athletes. The steeplechase has long been a Kenyan stronghold, and while the top step of the podium slipped away, his result confirmed the country remains a force in the event.
Kenya also enjoyed progress elsewhere on the track. Reynold Cheruiyot and Timothy Cheruiyot both advanced to the men’s 1500m final. Reynold, the world under-20 champion, won his heat in 3:36.64. Timothy, a former world champion and Olympic silver medallist, finished fourth in his race with 3:35.61 to move through.
The two will carry Kenya’s hopes in the final, combining youthful promise with experience at the highest level. Their qualification lifted the mood in the camp, where expectations of more medals remain high.
For Serem, the bronze is a stepping stone in his career. It follows his junior achievements and signals his readiness to compete among the best in the world. With time on his side, he is seen as part of the next line of Kenyan runners aiming to protect the country’s reputation in distance running.