Kenyan Duo Serem and Kosgei Clinch Gold and Silver in Steeplechase at World U-20 Championships

Kenya’s Edmund Serem and Matthew Kosgei made history at the World Athletics U-20 Championships held at the Estadio Atlético de la Videna in Lima, Peru, on Sunday, clinching gold and silver in the 3,000m steeplechase.

Serem, who previously won silver at the Africa Athletics Championships, upgraded to gold with a time of 8:15.28, as reported by Citizen Digital.

Kosgei, whose father William Kosgei was also a runner in the 1986 team, secured silver with a personal best of 8:17.46. Ethiopia’s Hailu Ayalew took bronze with a personal best of 8:24.08.

As the team captain, Serem expressed his elation, calling the victory a dream come true. “Leading the team to success, especially on the final day, has been incredible. We need to stay focused and work hard as we aim for the 2028 Olympic Games,” Serem said.

He also credited his coaches Patrick Sang, Robert Ngisirei, Bernard Rono, and Peter Sang for their support.

Serem, who hails from a running family with his brother Amos Serem having won gold in the 2021 games, reflected on the significance of continuing the family legacy.

“It’s a proud moment for us as a steeplechase family. The results are a testament to hard work and focus,” he added.

Kosgei also expressed gratitude, attributing his success to the support of his family, particularly his father and mother, who were former athletes.

“Securing silver amid tough competition is a huge achievement. I appreciate Serem’s encouragement and am excited to continue training for future events,” Kosgei noted.

In the final event for Kenya, Josphat Kipkirui finished fourth in the 1,500m race with a time of 3:43.20.

The race was won by Ethiopia’s Abdisa Fayisa (3:40.51), with Australian Cameron Myers (3:40.60) and Spaniard Alex Pintado (3:41.03) completing the podium.

Earlier, in the 1,500m race for women, Mary Nyaboke Ogwoka and Miriam Chemutai Kibet finished 10th and 14th, clocking 4:22.60 and 4:26.80 respectively.

Ethiopia’s Saron Berhe won gold with a time of 4:14.64, while Canada’s Rachel Forsyth (4:17.94) and Germany’s Jolanda Kallabis (4:19.34) secured silver and bronze.