Kosgei, Serem sail to 3000m steeplechase final at World U20 Championships to send statement of intent

Africa silver medallist, Edmund Serem, and Africa bronze medallist, Matthew Kosgei, showcased their prowess by winning the men's 3000m steeplechase heats at the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

As Kenya's junior athletes aim to reclaim the nation's dominance in the steeplechase, which has been challenged in recent years, Serem and Kosgei delivered standout performances that have set them up as strong contenders at the final.

Kosgei led Heat 1 with an exceptional run, clocking 8:24.64 to register his season-best. 

Ethiopia’s Berihun Moges finished second with a personal-best of 8:30.92, while Algeria’s Anes Djayahia claimed third place, also setting a personal-best time of 8:39.10.

The heat was fiercely competitive, with Japan’s Tetsu Sasaki and Uganda’s Hosea Chemutai also qualifying for the final with times of 8:41.48 and 8:44.43, respectively. 

In Heat 2, Edmund Serem, younger brother to steeplechase star Amos Serem, delivered a commanding performance, winning in a time of 8:46.56. Ethiopia’s Hailu Ayalew took second place, finishing in 8:48.14, while American Wyatt Haughton secured third place in a time of 8:59.09.

As they prepare for the final, Kosgei and Serem will be driven by a hunger for redemption after Kenya lost in 2022 World under 20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, where Emmanuel Wafula and Haroun Kibet finished sixth and tenth, respectively.

Ethiopia’s Samuel Duguna took the title, leaving the Kenyan camp with much to prove.