How Amos Serem is nurturing younger brother to follow in his footsteps

© Erick Barasa

ATHLETICS How Amos Serem is nurturing younger brother to follow in his footsteps

Abigael Wafula 19:56 - 08.04.2023

Serem senior, just 20 years, is the Commonwealth Games 3000m SC bronze medallist.

If you would have met Edmond Serem last year around July, then he would have been on the verge of giving up on his athletics career but all thanks to his brother, Amos Serem.

During last year’s Athletics Kenya trials for the World Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, Edmond could only afford a sixth-place finish. With that result, he could not make the cut to the global show.

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However, being close to his brother has enabled him to maneuver through and overcome the challenges he has faced. His brother, who also doubles up as his training mate, is a source of inspiration for the youngster to keep going.

Edmond said training with his brother has enabled him to gain skills that came in handy during the AK trials for the Africa Junior championships. 

He obliterated a strong field in the Under-18 2000m Steeplechase men’s race which saw him earn a direct ticket to the Africa junior championships in Lusaka, Zambia, a dream come true, he said.

“This is my first time making it to the national team and I am very happy. I tried my luck last year but I couldn’t make it. I had to go back to the drawing board and I can attest that training with my brother has helped me a lot. He usually tells me I have to bring the junior world title back to the country,” he said.

Edward believes he can follow in his brother’s footsteps who at only 20 years, is the Commonwealth Games 3000m SC bronze medallist and the 2021 world under-20 3000m SC champion.

Edmond believes he has all it takes to perform like his brother or even better. He fired warning shots at his opponents and promised that he will work hard and emerge victorious in the continental event.

“I want to do my best in Zambia and bring back a gold medal. I have Serem, so I shall train harder and gain more skills. We shall go for more speedwork and he will sharpen my skills in jumping the barriers. I don’t feel any pressure,” he said.

The 17-year-old revealed that he will also be keen to reclaim the steeplechase title if he makes the national team to next year’s World Under-20 Championships.