A new star has been forged for Kenyan athletics, with 17-year-old Edmund Serem officially crowned the Male Rising Star of the Year by World Athletics at a glittering awards gala in Monaco.

This award is more than a personal trophy; it represents a powerful vote of confidence in Kenya's quest to reclaim its undisputed sovereignty over the 3000m steeplechase, an event deeply woven into the nation's sporting identity after its grip appeared to loosen in recent years.

A Season of Global Triumphs

Serem's ascent in 2025 has been nothing short of meteoric. The crowning moment of his season was a hard-fought bronze medal at the World Championships in Tokyo, where he clocked 8:34.56 against the world's best. This achievement made him the youngest athlete to ever win a World Championships medal in the 3000m steeplechase.

His remarkable year was built on a foundation of consistent excellence across several major competitions:

• World Under-20 Champion: He captured the gold medal in Lima, Peru, with a commanding time of 8:15.28.
• African Championships: He secured a silver medal at the continental showdown in Douala, Cameroon.
• Diamond League Circuit: Serem proved his mettle against senior athletes throughout the season, securing a runner-up finish in the prestigious Diamond League final.

Reigniting a National Legacy

For decades, the 3000m steeplechase was synonymous with Kenyan dominance. From Amos Biwott's groundbreaking Olympic gold in 1968 to the reigns of legends like Ezekiel Kemboi and Conseslus Kipruto, Kenyan athletes have won 11 Olympic gold medals in the event. Serem's award is seen as a crucial step in restoring that legacy.

He joins a prestigious list of recent Kenyan winners of the Rising Star award, including 800m world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi and fellow steeplechaser Faith Cherotich, highlighting the strength of the nation's youth development systems. His victory is a testament to a new generation ready to carry the torch.

As the athletics world watches, Serem now carries not just his own ambitions, but the collective hope of a nation eager to see its steeplechase dynasty fully restored on the global stage.