Kenya majestically reclaiming steeplechase glory, says Korir

Athletics Kenya Youth and Development Director Barnaba Korir is excited over Kenya's resurgence in steeplechase, a discipline the country has recently faded in after years of dominance.

Reflecting on remarkable performances by Team Kenya in the recent World U-20 Championships in Peru, Korir expressed his confidence that Kenya will soon regain the steeplechase  World and Olympic titles.

Conseslus Kipruto was the last athlete to win a 3,000m gold medal on the Olympic stage, at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Benjamin Kigen came close to defending the title at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games but could only afford a third-place finish.

At the recent Paris Olympics, Kenyan athletes put up a strong fight from Kenyan trio of Amos Serem, Abraham Kibiwott and Simon Koech, with Kibiwott winning a bronze medal behind reigning Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali and world record holder Lamecha Girma.

"After a few years of challenges and increased competition from other nations, Kenya has once again showed why it is renowned as the home of steeplechase.

“The resurgence started at the Olympics when Abraham won the bronze medal, then we moved to Peru for the U-20 where we won gold and silver and finally in the Diamond League where they were competing against the opposition they faced in the Olympics and we saw Serem and the young girl Faith winning. It is evident we are back," said a confident Korir.

He pointed to the 2024 World U-20 Championships as the clearest sign of Kenya's rising dominance.

Kenya’s Edmund Serem led his compatriot Matthew Kosgei to win gold and silver in the 3,000m steeplechase at the Estadio Atlético de la Videna in Lima, Peru

Korir praised the depth of talent in Kenya, noting that the upcoming generation is poised to continue the country’s tradition of excellence in the steeplechase.

"The way Amos and Faith ran makes every Kenyan believe that we are back and I'm sure the country will continue encouraging the young steeplechasers. Every Kenyan wanted to see that steeplechase is back and I can confidently tell you we are back with a bang," Korir declared, attributing the success to improved training programs and investments in Youth Development Programs.

He believes that with the right support, Kenya will continue to dominate the steeplechase in future global competitions, ensuring that the nation's rich legacy in the event endures for many years to come.