Kenyan teen stars all out to redeem country's lost glory
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 13.11.25. | 09:38
The duo, who have been nominated for the Men's Rising Star Award, all had break-out seasons this year
Kenyan athletics youngsters Edmund Serem and Phanuel Koech are looking at the bigger picture of restoring pride to the country, following their phenomenal breakout seasons this year.
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The duo, aged 17 and 18 respectively, took the world by storm this year as they both made statements in their race disciplines - 3000m steeplechase and 1500m - performances that earlier this week earned them nominations for the prestigious 2025 Men's Rising Star Award.
Serem, younger brother to 2021 world U20 champion Amos, took a major leap this year as he built on his 2024 World U20 Championships gold in Lima with deep dives in the Wanda Diamond League, before surprising many by winning bronze at September’s World Championships in Tokyo.
Koech, cut from a similar mould, also enjoyed his 2025 season, moving out of the shadows in the Under 20 category to feature in the Diamond League, before making his first senior appearance in the Tokyo World Championships.
In between that, the teenager set a world U20 record in just his second 1500m race of his career, coupled with a Continental Tour Gold meeting win in Ostrava.
Though Koech’s season did not end with a World Championships medal, he is aiming for something more precious.
Speaking to Nation Sports, he said: “I want to be part of the generation that restores Kenya’s reputation in the 1500m race. We have had legends before us, and it is our time to carry that torch forward.”
Olympics and World Championships combined, Kenya last won men’s 1500m gold in 2019, when Timothy Cheruiyot triumphed in Doha.
Before that, Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop and Elijah Manangoi dominated the distance.
Reflecting on his agony in Tokyo in September, Koech said: “I fell during the heats at the World Championships, but I took it as a lesson. My focus is to improve, get back stronger, and help Kenya dominate the race again.”
That prospect is one Serem also holds, given his quest to lead Kenya to a first senior steeplechase gold since 2019 - won by Conseslus Kipruto in Doha.
“My goal is to improve with each race and bring gold for Kenya,” Serem said. “My season was good, but I know there is more work ahead.
We can reclaim the title through hard work and focus. It is achievable if we train well and support each other.”
