• Despite feeling the pressure, Edmund remains confident in his ability to secure the U20 title, just like his brother did in 2021.
• Edmund will be relying on the invaluable experience he has gained from Kemboi during training.
Image: FILE
African 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Edmund Serem hopes for a standout performance at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru as he seeks to boost his prospects for next year’s World Championships.
As the World U20 Championships kicks off on Tuesday, Edmund will be joined by African bronze medallist Mathew Kosgei.
Edmund is determined to secure qualification for the World Athletics Championships scheduled for September 13-21, 2025, in Tokyo, Japan, where he hopes to join his older brother, Amos Serem.
“I was aiming to qualify for the Olympics to compete alongside my brother Amos on the global stage but I fell short, finishing fourth with only the top three making the team,” Edmund reflected.
During the Olympic trials in June, Edmund clocked 8:24.50, trailing Amos (8:20.55), Simon Koech (8:20.99) and Abraham Kibiwot (8:23.41).
“With the World Championships next year, God willing, I hope to qualify so I can compete alongside my brother Amos,” he added.
The qualification standard for the 2025 World Championships in the men’s water and barrier event is 8:15.00, with the qualifying window open from August 1 this year to August 24, 2025.
Despite feeling the pressure, Edmund remains confident in his ability to secure the U20 title, just like his brother did in 2021.
“There is pressure but I am confident in my abilities. I just have to run my race strategically. If everything goes as planned I am sure I will get the gold medal,” Serem noted.
At the 2021 Games held at the Moi Stadium Kasarani, Amos secured the crown, clocking 8:30.72 ahead of Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele (8:33.15) and Koech (8:34.79).
However, Kenya missed the podium at the 2022 edition in Cali, Colombia, with Ethiopians Samuel Duguna (8:37.92) and Samuel Firewu (8:39.11) taking gold and silver and Morocco’s Salaheddine Ben Yazide (8:40.62) settling for bronze.
Edmund also acknowledged the impact of 2008 Olympic champion Brimin Kipruto and two-time Olympic champion Ezekiel Kemboi in shaping his steeplechase career.
“My brother and I grew up watching Kipruto and Kemboi. They inspired us to take up the steeplechase,” he added.
Edmund will be relying on the invaluable experience he has gained from Kemboi during training. “I’ve trained with my brother and Kibiwot before they left for the Olympics, under the guidance of Kemboi, who shared insights on race strategy,” Serem noted.
Meanwhile, his compatriot Kosgei is confident that with teamwork, the duo can secure a 1-2 finish. "We have prepared well. I am confident that good results are coming in Lima," Kosgei noted.