Kenyan steeplechaser Amos Serem believes the country can take back the steeplechase crown after three years of dominance from Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali. Serem beat El Bakkali in the Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium, the first time the Moroccan has been beaten since September 2021.
The steeplechase had been known to be a Kenyan specialty over the last four decades until El Bakkali broke that tradition by winning back-to-back World and Olympic titles.
However, in Brussels, Serem, winner of the World Under-20 title in 2021, speaking to Telecomasia.net, says they have the belief back and it is just a matter of time.
I really believe that we can take it back. It has not sat well with us that we have not won the world title or Olympic title at the last events and we have been working to try and get it back. I am really delighted that I could beat El Bakkali because he has really dominated us over the last three years
Serem said after his win in Brussels
The Kenyan clocked eight minutes, 2:36 seconds after a well-calculated glide at the last water point and smooth sailing at the last hurdle.
The win is a massive morale booster for me. It will give me a good push now looking at next season, and I believe we will be back on top again.
Amos Serem
The season ends for Serem, and he now focuses on rest and recovery.