Kenya’s medal campaign at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo received a fresh boost on Monday after Edmund Serem stormed to bronze in the men’s 3000m steeplechase and the Cheruiyot duo advanced to the men’s 1500m final.
Serem, 21, delivered a gutsy run in a tense final, clocking 8:34.56 to finish third behind New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish, who won in 8:33.87, and Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, who claimed silver in 8:33.90. The podium finish rekindled Kenyan pride in an event long dominated by the nation, reinforcing belief in the next generation’s ability to keep the steeplechase tradition alive.
With Serem’s bronze, Kenya’s medal tally in Tokyo rose to three. Beatrice Chebet set the tone with her gold in the women’s 10,000m, while Peres Jepchirchir claimed marathon gold. Serem’s achievement now adds a third medal to the nation’s haul, underlining Kenya’s enduring presence in global distance running.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s 1500m hopes stayed firmly intact as both Reynold Cheruiyot and Timothy Cheruiyot secured their places in the final. Reynold, the reigning World U20 champion, showcased his rising star power by winning his heat in 3:36.64. Timothy, a seasoned campaigner with a world title and Olympic silver to his name, qualified with 3:35.61 in a tactical heat, finishing fourth.
The combination of Reynold’s youthful drive and Timothy’s experience has heightened optimism that Kenya could yet add more medals in the middle-distance races. Faith Kipyegon, the undisputed queen of the 1500m, is also poised to spearhead Kenya’s women’s charge in the same event
