'That fear is gone'- Amos Serem vows to topple Soufiane El Bakkali from steeplechase dominance

'That fear is gone'- Amos Serem vows to topple Soufiane El Bakkali from steeplechase dominance

Abigael Wafula 10:33 - 16.10.2024

Amos Serem has promised to reclaim Kenya's steeplechase dominance in 2025 after defeating Morocco's Soufiane El Bakkali at the Diamond League final, expressing confidence and determination to bring the title back to Kenya at the World Championships.

Amos Serem is eager to reclaim Kenya’s steeplechase dominance in 2025, with the main goal being to impress at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The Kenyan youngster has found his way around beating Moroccan Soufiane El Bakkali, Kenya’s serial threat to dominating in the water and barrier distance in recent days. El Bakkali snatched the Olympic title from Kenya at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and yet again stunned the Kenyan charge at the Paris Olympic Games.

At the World Championships, Soufiane El Bakkali also took the title from the Kenyans in 2022 and proceeded to defend his title in 2023. However, Amos Serem stamped authority at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels, triumphing over the two-time Olympic champion.

As quoted by The Star, Amos Serem is keen on taking what rightfully belongs to the Kenyans and he explained that the fear is gone.

“Beating El Bakkali gave me the confidence that anything is possible. I am more determined than ever going into the 2025 season. I believe we can bring the world title back to Kenya. For a long time, we feared El Bakkali when he surged to the front. Now, that fear is gone,” Amos Serem said.

He added that beating Soufiane El Bakkali in Brussels was a morale booster and he now trusts in his abilities more. Serem added that his younger brother, Edmund Serem has also been a vital part in encouraging him.

Amos Serem noted that every time they compete together, he gets the courage to set the pace and he has hopes that they will both qualify for the 2025 World Championships. The former world under-20 champion is now focusing on improving his speed and clearing the barriers.

“I’ve learned to trust my race and push harder when it counts. If Edmund qualifies, it will give me even more motivation. Together, we form a potent force and we can push for a 1-2 finish for Kenya,” Serem said.

“The camps are vital. My performance in the Diamond League and Edmund’s win at the World U20 prove that they (camps) are working. We’ll focus on mileage first, then speed work from January. We hope to participate in the cross country (series) to help us build endurance and speed,” he added.

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