Edmund Serem reveals next destination after sealing Commonwealth Games berth
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 23.06.26. | 13:36
Having achieved one of his major objectives for the season, Serem revealed that his immediate focus is now on maintaining his momentum on the international stage
Kenyan steeplechase sensation Edmund Serem has turned his attention to the Diamond League circuit after securing qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 2026 World Athletics Rising Star award winner is set to compete at the Paris Diamond League on Sunday, 28 June, before making a final stop in Monaco ahead of Glasgow on Friday, 10 July.
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Serem punched his ticket to the Commonwealth Games after finishing second in the men's 3000m steeplechase at the National Championships and Commonwealth Games trials held at Nyayo National Stadium over the weekend.
He crossed the line behind Simon Koech, who claimed the national title, as both athletes booked their places for the Games.
They will be joined by Leonard Bett, who also posted a desirable time at the trials.
Having achieved one of his major objectives for the season, Serem revealed that his immediate focus is now on maintaining his momentum on the international stage.
“I was coming for the trials to test my form ahead of the Paris Diamond League on Saturday. That is the current target. Now I have already qualified for the Commonwealth Games, so now I am looking at Paris and Monaco,” Serem said.
The Paris meeting will mark Serem's third Diamond League appearance of the year in what has been a steady campaign for the rising star.
His season began on home soil at the Absa Kip Keino Classic on Friday, 24 April, where he finished fourth in the men's 3000m steeplechase in 8:25.85.
He then announced himself on the global stage at the Rabat Diamond League on Sunday, 31 May, producing a stunning personal best of 8:01.61 to finish fourth in a highly competitive field.
A week later, Serem impressed once again at the Stockholm Diamond League, claiming second place in 8:12.27 behind Olympic champion Soufiane El Bakkali (8:10.40). He finished ahead of Commonwealth Games champion Abraham Kibiwot, who clocked 8:12.75.
Following Paris, Serem will line up at the Monaco Diamond League, which he says will serve as his final competitive outing before heading to the Commonwealth Games.
“Monaco Diamond League will be my last race before the Commonwealth. Now I will return to training before jetting out,” he explained.
The Kenyan believes the country's rich tradition in the steeplechase can be restored in Glasgow and has set his sights firmly on the podium.
“My target in Glasgow will be to get that Commonwealth title. So far so good, we are working hard to return the steeplechase glory to Kenya. Teamwork will be key in achieving that title,” he said.
With little time between the trials and his next assignment, Serem is keen to fine-tune key areas of his race execution, particularly his barrier technique and finishing speed.
“I will work on my barrier clearance and speedwork because I am flying on Wednesday and the event is on Saturday. I will also see the mistakes that the coach has identified and where to rectify,” he added.