Kenya secured its first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after Edmund Serem led an all-Kenyan podium finish in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase.
The reigning World Under-20 champion produced a powerful performance to win the race in 8:18.23.
His compatriots Simon Koech and Leonard Bett completed the historic sweep. Koech took silver after clocking 8:18.59, while Bett claimed bronze in 8:21.63.
The victory came hours after Diana Wanza won silver in the women’s 10,000m. The results pushed Team Kenya’s medal tally to five, including one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
Serem Celebrates Maiden Commonwealth Title
The 20-year-old Serem described the victory as a dream come true during his first Commonwealth Games appearance.
He said he was proud to win Kenya’s first gold medal and complete a clean sweep with his teammates.
Serem added that his family and millions of Kenyans back home would celebrate the historic achievement.
Kenyan Runner Surprises Himself
Despite his success, Serem admitted he did not expect to win the race.
He faced a strong field that included New Zealand’s reigning world champion Geordie Beamish and fellow Kenyan Simon Koech, who had recently posted a sub-eight-minute time.
Serem said he believed he could reach the podium but only became confident of victory during the final lap when he found extra energy to push for the win.
Kenya Maintains Steeplechase Dominance
The result further strengthened Kenya’s reputation as a global force in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase.
Kenya has produced several champions in the event, including Olympic and World champions such as Ezekiel Kemboi, Conseslus Kipruto, Brimin Kipruto and Saif Saaeed Shaheen.
The Glasgow clean sweep once again showed Kenya’s dominance in the race.
For Serem, the victory marks another major step in a promising career. The young athlete has quickly risen through the ranks after winning the World Under-20 title.
Team Kenya will now hope the breakthrough inspires more medal-winning performances as the athletics events continue in Glasgow.
