Award-winning steeplechase star shares advice for young athletes
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 15.01.26. | 07:30
He now sets his sights on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and hopes to defend his title at the World Athletics U20 Championships
Kenya’s rising steeplechase star Edmund Serem has a simple, powerful message for young athletes aiming for the world stage. Reflecting on his journey, he encourages them to “work hard, be consistent, have perseverance. And when you are in that race, have confidence, believe in your training, and trust your coach; have faith that you can do it.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Serem’s advice comes from experience. In 2025, he stepped up to senior competition after winning the world U20 title in 2024. The teenager ran personal bests of under 8:10 and 8:05 in the 3000m steeplechase, finished fourth in Xiamen, was runner-up in Shaoxing/Keqiao, finished third in Rabat, and won the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.
He later placed second in the Diamond League final in Zurich and clinched bronze at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, becoming the youngest male individual medallist in World Championships history.
His performance in Monaco, where he clocked a PB of 8:04.00, moved him to fifth on the world U20 all-time list. Looking back on the season, Serem said, “It was my first time competing in the Diamond League, my first time running under 8:10 and under 8:05. I think this year will be the start of my future; I’ll be remembering this year,” he told World Athletics media.
.png)
Behind the success is a strong support system. Serem’s father, who had a passion for athletics but lacked opportunities in his youth, ensured that both Edmund and his older brother Amos, the 2021 world U20 steeplechase champion, had everything they needed.
“My father has provided Amos and me with everything, telling us, ‘I don’t want you to lack anything as I did during my time,’” Serem explained. He also trains under coach Patrick Sang in Kaptagat, often alongside his brother, while drawing inspiration from marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, whom he calls his mentor.
Despite his achievements, Serem remains focused on the future. “Being recognised by World Athletics motivates you to do more. It shows that when you do well, people notice, and these awards make you hungry for more. But what matters most is the hard work, the support, and the belief in yourself and your coach,” he reflected.
He now sets his sights on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and hopes to defend his title at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon 26, while continuing to inspire the next generation.
