Kenya’s medal count rises in Tokyo as Serem wins bronze, Cheruiyot duo charge into 1500m final

Serem, 17, powered to third place in a thrilling steeplechase final, clocking 8:34.56 behind New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish (8:33.87) and Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali (8:33.90). His medal not only lifted Kenya’s tally but also rekindled pride in an event where Kenya has long been a global force.

With Serem’s bronze, Team Kenya’s medal count in Tokyo now stands at three:

• Beatrice Chebet – Gold, Women’s 10,000m
• Peres Jepchirchir – Gold, Women’s Marathon
• Edmund Serem – Bronze, Men’s 3000m Steeplechase

Meanwhile, hopes for more medals remain alive after Reynold Cheruiyot and Timothy Cheruiyot secured their spots in the men’s 1500m final. Reynold, the reigning World U20 champion, won his heat in 3:36.64, while Timothy, a former world champion and Olympic silver medalist, advanced after clocking 3:35.61 to finish fourth in a tactical race.

The pairing of youthful energy and veteran experience has fueled optimism that Kenya could yet add to its medal haul, with Faith Kipyegon also set to spearhead the women’s 1500m challenge.

As the championships enter the final stretch, Kenya’s athletes are once again proving why the country remains a powerhouse in distance running.