SEREM brothers Amos and Edmund will seek a 1-2 podium finish in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase at the African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Amos, who is the 2021 World U20 3,000m SC champion, clocked 8:22.72 to win the water and barrier race during the African Games Trials at the Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.
Edmund placed third in 8:31.37, behind KDF's Simon Kiprop in 8:24.41. Amos exuded confidence that together with his brother, they are planning to set the stadium in Accra ablaze.
“Our target is the top two positions and we will do everything to get them. Having my brother alongside me will help me push myself to my limits,” Amos said.
The 21-year-old further stated making Team Kenya together with his 20-year-old brother was a dream come true.
“ Edmund is our last born and we train together. We always motivate each other,” Amos said. Amos trains in Kaptagat under the wings of the two-time world 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Patrick Sang.
He clinched the World Athletics U20 title at 8:30.72 in August 2022 at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani. In September 2023, Amos clocked 8:14.41 to secure bronze at the Wanda Diamond League in Xiamen, China.
He further has a bronze medal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, where he clocked 8:16.83. Abraham Kibiwott claimed the title in 8:11.15.
Amos stated that he was using the trials to gauge his body ahead of the African Games. On the other hand, Edmund stated that making it to the team together with his brother was a dream come true for him.
“I was sure I wouldn’t beat my brother for the top spot. All I wanted was to make it to the team for Ghana with him,” he noted.
The 20-year-old was, however, quick to state that he hopes to surpass his brother’s successful career one day. “My brother is my mentor and my long-time goal is to accomplish what he has achieved,” Edmund said.
Edmund is fresh from winning a gold medal at the 2023 U18 and U20 African Championships in Ndola, Zambia, where he clocked 4:37.78. He predicted a tough event in Ghana but promised to put his foot forward.
“Mentally, I am prepared. I have been undergoing rigorous training alongside my brother and the likes of Wycliffe Kinyamal and Nicholas Kimeli,” he stated.
Further from the African Championships, Edmund also has his sights set on the World U20 Championships slated for August 27-31 in Lima, Peru, where he hopes to secure a title in his specialty.
“My target is the World Championships in Lima, Peru. I have some experience in the U20s and 18’s so I will be going for gold,” he noted.
The team selected will proceed to camp on Sunday at Kasarani after which they will train before leaving for Ghana.