The Africa 3,000m steeplechase silver medalist Edmund Serem and compatriot, the Africa 3,000m steeplechase bronze medalist Mathew Kosgei have vowed to steer team kenya to a 1-2 podium finish at the finals set for Saturday.
Speaking after winning in their heats at the World Athletics Under 20 Champiuonships at the Estadio Atlético de la Videna in Lima, Peru, the duo have set their focus to shine at the water and barriers race.
Competing in the first heat, Kipkosgei led from the start to the end of the race, saying that it was his plans to set the pace for the rest and that will guide him at the finals.
“I really wanted to run in front to feel how it will and I managed to be the best today. I did not see my competitors reacting so I kept my pace,” said Kipkosgei.
He added that as he was running, he had to remember his mother back home, who has been motivating him to this level.
“I was running remembering how my mother has been supporting me. I ran to for my mother and I don’t want to let her down. For my father, he has been motivating me that if I stick in front, I should not let anyone pass me,” said Kipkosgei.
He crossed the finsh line in 8:24.64 ahead of Ethiopian Berihun Moges (8:30.92) and Algeria’s Anes Djayahia completing the podium in 8:39.10 with both Moges and Djayahia making their personal best.
Serem, who is also the team Kenya Captain said he had to run from behind knowing well that top eight will make I to the final and he was to make it.
However, he decided to change his mind and overtake the rest to increase the pace, knowing that a race can change any time.
“Because this was a semifinal I could not run very fast since to preserve energy for the final. I knew eight people will make and I was sure of my ticket,” he said.
He added that at the last lap, he really wanted to kick because you never know how people may react in the last minute.
“As team captain, we promise that we shall come home with medals since all athletes are fine and injury free. We must thank Alamisi (Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi) for giving Kenya the first gold medal (in 5,000m) yesterday,” he added.
He won the second heat after timing 8:48.56 ahead of Ethiopian Hailu Ayalew who timed 8:48.14 with Wyatt Haughton from the USA completing the podium in 8:59.09.