Amos Serem has set his sights on reclaiming Kenya’s once-mighty dominance in the steeplechase, a sport the country reigned over for decades. After a triumphant performance at the Diamond League final in Brussels, Serem is riding high on confidence. His goal is not only to maintain this momentum but also to bring the steeplechase world title back to Kenya during the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The Kenyan athlete has confronted the challenge posed by Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, a formidable opponent who has, in recent years, disrupted Kenya’s dominance in the water-and-barrier race. El Bakkali has been a thorn in Kenya’s side, snatching the Olympic title in the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games and again proving his mettle at the Paris Olympics. The Moroccan steeplechaser’s supremacy continued at the World Championships, where he captured the title in 2022 and successfully defended it in 2023.
Serem’s victory in Brussels, however, sent shockwaves through the athletics community. By defeating the two-time Olympic champion at the Diamond League final, the young Kenyan not only claimed a personal victory but also reignited hope for Kenya’s resurgence in the discipline.
Overcoming the Fear of El Bakkali
For many Kenyan athletes, El Bakkali’s dominance had become a psychological hurdle. With each race he won, the Moroccan athlete seemed to establish an unshakeable grip on the competition. However, Serem’s performance in Brussels marked a turning point, not just for him personally, but for Kenya’s entire steeplechase team.
“Beating El Bakkali gave me the confidence that anything is possible,” Serem reflected. He acknowledged that there had been a mental block in the past whenever El Bakkali surged to the front in races. That fear, however, has now been replaced with renewed determination.
With this newfound confidence, Serem feels ready to take on the 2025 season with a fresh perspective. His primary focus is the World Championships in Tokyo, where he aims to restore Kenya’s pride by clinching the steeplechase title. “For a long time, we feared El Bakkali when he took control of the race. Now, that fear is gone,” he said, emphasizing his readiness to challenge the Moroccan once again.
The Serem Brothers: A Powerful Duo
A key part of Amos Serem’s journey has been the unwavering support of his younger brother, Edmund Serem. The two brothers have pushed each other to excel, with Edmund’s achievements in the junior ranks serving as both inspiration and motivation for Amos.
The synergy between the brothers has become a cornerstone of Amos Serem’s preparation for major competitions. Every time they train or compete together, Amos draws strength from their bond, which he hopes will translate into success on the global stage. Both brothers are aiming to qualify for the 2025 World Championships, and Amos believes that their combined efforts could potentially lead to a 1-2 finish for Kenya.
“If Edmund qualifies, it will give me even more motivation. Together, we form a potent force, and we can push for a top finish for Kenya,” Serem stated confidently. Having already achieved individual milestones, the brothers now hope to leave a lasting legacy by dominating the steeplechase as a team.
A Focus on Speed and Endurance
Amos Serem recognizes that regaining supremacy in steeplechase will require more than just mental toughness. His current focus is on improving both his speed and barrier-clearing technique. He understands that fine-tuning these aspects of his performance will be crucial in challenging world-class athletes like El Bakkali on the biggest stage.
“I’ve learned to trust my race strategy and push harder when it matters,” Serem explained. He knows that mastering the final stages of the race, especially the last few barriers, could make all the difference between victory and defeat. With the right preparation, he hopes to avoid mistakes that have cost Kenyan athletes in recent years.
The off-season is proving to be an essential part of Serem’s preparation. His training program includes a mix of high-mileage running and speed work, with cross-country races serving as an additional platform to build endurance. Cross-country running is particularly beneficial for steeplechasers, as it mimics the demands of the water-and-barrier race by challenging an athlete’s ability to maintain speed over uneven terrain.
“The camps are vital,” Serem emphasized. He credited the structured training camps for his improved performance in the Diamond League and highlighted how the program also contributed to Edmund’s victory at the World U20 Championships. The brothers plan to continue their intense preparation through the cross-country series and shift their focus to speed training from January 2025 onward.
Kenya’s Steeplechase Revival: A Team Effort
Amos Serem is not the only Kenyan athlete aiming to restore the nation’s reputation in the steeplechase. Several rising stars, including Faith Cherotich and Matthew Kosgei, are part of Kenya’s new generation of steeplechasers. Together with the Serem brothers, these athletes form a promising group that has the potential to reclaim the top spots in the discipline.
The resurgence of Kenya’s steeplechase dominance is not just about individual performances but also about teamwork and collaboration. The athletes are committed to pushing each other to new heights, both in training and in competition. They believe that their collective efforts will make Kenya an unstoppable force once again in the steeplechase.
Amos Serem’s win at the Diamond League final has provided a blueprint for success, and the other athletes are keen to follow in his footsteps. With proper planning and continued hard work, the Kenyan team is optimistic about turning the tide in their favor.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 Season
As the 2025 season approaches, Amos Serem is filled with a sense of purpose and excitement. He knows that the journey to reclaiming Kenya’s steeplechase dominance will not be easy, but he is prepared to face the challenges head-on. His victory over El Bakkali in Brussels was just the beginning; now, he is focused on sustaining that momentum throughout the new season.
The World Championships in Tokyo represent a golden opportunity for Kenya to reassert its authority in the steeplechase. Serem is determined to be at his peak when the time comes, and he believes that the lessons learned from his past experiences will serve him well in Tokyo.
Beyond personal success, Serem hopes to inspire the next generation of Kenyan athletes to dream big and aim high. He wants his story to be a testament to the power of resilience and determination. “If we trust in our abilities and work hard, we can achieve anything,” he said, encapsulating the spirit of a young athlete ready to take on the world.
Conclusion
Amos Serem’s journey is one of hope, perseverance, and ambition. With the fear of El Bakkali’s dominance now behind him, Serem is focused on reclaiming Kenya’s place at the top of the steeplechase world. Supported by his brother Edmund and inspired by a new generation of Kenyan athletes, Serem is on a mission to restore his country’s pride in the sport it once ruled with unmatched authority.
The 2025 World Championships in Tokyo offer a platform for redemption, and Serem is determined to make the most of it. Through rigorous training, teamwork, and unwavering belief in his abilities, he hopes to bring the steeplechase title back to Kenya, signaling a new era of success for the nation. The fear is gone—and with it, a new chapter in Kenya’s steeplechase legacy is ready to be written.
