GLASGOW, Scotland— Kenya claimed its first gold medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in spectacular fashion after Edmund Serem led a historic clean sweep in the men’s 3,000 metres steeplechase, reaffirming the country’s dominance in one of its signature athletics events.
The reigning World Under-20 steeplechase champion crossed the finish line in 8:18.23, securing gold ahead of compatriot Simon Koech, who claimed silver in 8:18.59, while Leonard Bett completed the all-Kenyan podium with bronze after clocking 8:21.63.
The victory marked Kenya’s first gold medal of the Glasgow Games and highlighted the country’s continued supremacy in the steeplechase on the global stage.
Serem Delivers Dream Debut
An emotional Serem described the triumph as a dream come true in his maiden appearance at the Commonwealth Games.
“I’ve won my first title in my first Commonwealth Games, and I’m very happy. I know my family is happy back at home and 50 million people out there in Kenya are all happy. And more so we went for a clean sweep for Kenya. Today, I’ve had like 20 calls from my father,” Serem said after the race.
The 20-year-old admitted he had not expected victory against a highly competitive field that included reigning world champion Geordie Beamish of New Zealand.
“I was not sure. The field was very strong. We had world champion Geordie Beamish. We also had Simon Koech who recently ran under eight minutes. I was seeing myself in a podium position but I was not sure if I was going to win, until the last lap when I saw I had the extra energy and decided to push,” he added.
Kenya’s Medal Tally Grows
Earlier in the day, Diana Wanza had opened Kenya’s athletics medal account by winning silver in the women’s 10,000 metres, helping lift Team Kenya’s overall tally to five medals at the Games.
The medal haul now stands at:
- 1 Gold
- 2 Silver
- 2 Bronze
Athletics is expected to contribute significantly to Kenya’s overall medal count as competition intensifies in Glasgow.
Kenya’s Steeplechase Legacy Continues
The clean sweep adds another chapter to Kenya’s rich history in the men’s 3,000 metres steeplechase, an event the country has dominated for decades.
Kenya has produced legendary champions including Ezekiel Kemboi, Brimin Kipruto, Conseslus Kipruto, and Saif Saaeed Shaheen, establishing itself as the world’s leading nation in the discipline.
Serem’s victory signals the emergence of another promising talent capable of extending that legacy after his rapid rise through the ranks following his World Under-20 title.
Momentum Builds for Team Kenya
With athletics now taking centre stage at the Commonwealth Games, Team Kenya will be hoping Monday’s breakthrough inspires more podium finishes in the coming days.
The dominant performance in the steeplechase not only secured the country’s first gold medal of the Games but also reinforced Kenya’s reputation as the undisputed powerhouse in one of track and field’s most demanding events.