‘Diamond League races prepared me for Tokyo’, says Serem

During the ended Diamond League season, the World Under-20 reigning champion finished second in last month’s finale in Zurich behind Germany’s Frederik Ruppert.

He opened the circuit season with a fourth place finish at the 2025 Xiamen Diamond League in China in April, where he ran a personal best of 8:08.50.

He then secured a second-place finish at the Shanghai leg before going on to win the Kip Keino Classic held at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi in May.

“All through this season I have been participating in the Diamond League, and in all the races I have finished on the podium — either first, second or third,” he recalled.

“When coming here I knew I was going to compete with elite athletes, including the Olympic champion and world record holder. So I knew the race would be tough, but I was also confident that something good would come my way — though in a hard way,” he added.

In Tokyo, Serem finished behind New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish, who surged late to claim gold ahead of Morocco’s defending champion Soufiane El Bakkali.

The 2024 African U20 Championships silver medallist described winning bronze as a proud moment, especially as it came during his senior debut.

“The last two laps many runners came in front of me and I knew I would mess myself up if I squeezed into the crowd. I moved out, and that is how I prepared myself for the final finishing kick,” Serem explained.

Despite settling for bronze, the youngster was full of pride and optimism.

“I know Kenyans are happy with my performance. I am happy as well. When I came to this race, I had promised them a medal and I am glad I delivered. It’s only that I wanted gold but I did not manage to get it,” he said.

Serem admitted that race positioning cost him in the final.

“I was in the second lane, unfortunately they boxed me in and I had no option but to stay outside the lane. Had I stayed inside, I would not have managed to come out,” he revealed.

Still, he vowed that the experience would make him stronger as he looks ahead to future championships.

“After winning the semis I said I would give Kenyans a medal, and I delivered. Unfortunately, I wanted a gold medal but did not win it. But in the next championships I want to promise that I will deliver gold,” Serem pledged.

The teenager, known for emulating Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres by mimicking a mask gesture with his hands, has also set his sights on restoring Kenya’s historic dominance in the event.

“We have been dominating the 3000m steeplechase for a long, then we kinda dipped. But I want to promise that I am here to dominate. Winning bronze on such a stage at just 17 means the future can only be bright. I will be here for long — I will dominate for a long time,” he affirmed.

Serem, the younger brother of fellow steeplechaser Amos Serem, won the gold medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the 2023 African U18 Championships in Ndola, Zambia, in April 2023. However, he endured a poor outing at the 2023 African Games in Accra, Ghana, where he finished sixth in the event.