Serem, Moraa to headline Kenya’s World U20 team

Serem clocked 8:34.76 to win the 3000m steeplechase race during trials held at Nyayo Stadium on Friday as Mathew Kipkosgei settled for a second place after timing 8:36.62 to bag the other ticket of the youthful fiesta.

Serem, who clinched silver in the men’s 3000m steeplechase in the recently concluded Senior Athletics Championships in Doula, Cameroon, says he is drawing inspiration from his elder brother Amos Serem, who is the 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist.

Amos is also a gold medallist at the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships held in Nairobi.

“I’m happy to get the ticket. I still need to work on speed and barrier jumps before the championship, but I'll work hard to bring home the gold medal,” Serem said in a post-race interview.

Kipkosgei, who hails from the athletics powerhouse Kimuron Secondary School, aims to follow in the footsteps of his father legendary steeplechaser William Kosgei.

“I will talk to Edmund, and we will work as a team to bring glory to Kenya. I want to be among the best steeplechasers in Kenya, and soon, we will reclaim the country's steeplechase prowess,” said Kipkosgei.

In the women's 800m, Sarah Moraa, cousin to World 800m champion Mary Moraa, clocked 2:00.01 to win the two-lap race final.

She will be on the plane to Peru alongside Janet Jepkemoi Amimo, who timed 2:03.16 to finish second.

Despite her impressive performance, Moraa's bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics fell short and she will solely focus on the World Under-20 Championship.

The team also includes fast-rising 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games champion Kelvin Koech Kimutai, who clocked 1:46.77 in the men’s 800m final. He will be joined by Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech.

Kimutai, who trains under coach Eliud Kirarei from Kosirai Nandi, expressed confidence in his preparation and aims to emulate former world under-20 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi.

“The race was fast, and this gives me enough motivation that I will do well in Lima. I'm not under any pressure after winning the Commonwealth Games, and I gained valuable experience. I hope to hit the podium.”

Team Kenya to World Under -20 5000m Ishmael Kipkurui Rokitto Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi   3000m Women Mercy Chepkemoi Marion Jepngetich   3000m Men Clinton Kimutai Dennis Kipkoech Kemboi   1500m Women Sheila Jebet Miriam Chemutai   1500m Men Collins Kibiwott Josphat Kipkurui Sang   3000m SC Women Diana Chepkemoi Judy Chepkoech   Men 3000 m SC Edmund Serem Mathew Serem   800m Women Sarah Moraa Janeth Jepkemoi   800m Men Kelvin Kimutai Phanuel Koech   10km walking Race Stephen Ndangiri Kihu