Youngster Edmund Serem and distance ace Diana Wanza believe they still have plenty more to offer after spearheading Kenya's bumper medal haul on the opening day of the athletics programme on Monday at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Under the lights at Scotstoun Stadium, Serem delivered Kenya's first gold medal of the Games, leading a sensational Kenyan clean sweep in the men's 3,000m steeplechase after powering to victory in 8:18.23. Simon Koech crossed the line second in 8:18.59, while Leonard Bett completed the all-Kenyan podium in 8:21.63.
Making his Commonwealth Games debut, the 18-year-old could barely contain his excitement after announcing himself on the big stage with a golden performance. "I am happy to have won my very first Commonwealth title in my first appearance. It's such a huge achievement," Serem said.
"I know my family back home, and the over 50 million Kenyans are happy. We also delivered a clean sweep for Kenya."
One of the biggest sources of inspiration for the rising water-and-barrier specialist was his father, who, according to Serem, kept encouraging him throughout the build-up to the race, even while he was in the call room.
"I received over 20 calls from my father, even when I was in the call room before we took to the track, encouraging me and advising me on my barrier clearance. He also wrote me a very long motivational message."
Despite his dominant display, Serem admitted he had not travelled to Glasgow expecting to stand on the top step of the podium.
"The field was very strong. We had world champion Geordie Beamish from New Zealand as well as Koech, who had just run under eight minutes (7:59.44 at the Rabat Diamond League) in the steeplechase."
"I was confident I would make the podium, but I didn't expect to win gold until the last lap when I realised I still had something left in the tank," Serem said.
After sealing the biggest victory of his young career, Serem celebrated with the trademark gesture of his favourite Arsenal player, Viktor Gyokeres, as a tribute to the Swedish striker.
"The celebration is from my favourite Arsenal player, Gyokeres. He came to Arsenal, and we won the Premier League."
Meanwhile, Wanza produced another composed display to bag silver in the women's 10,000m, clocking 31:50.13 behind New Zealand's Rose Davies, who struck gold in 31:39.32. Rwanda's Florence Niyonkuru completed the podium in 31:55.47.
The other Kenyans in the gruelling 25-lap contest, Miriam Chebet and Rebecca Mwangi, finished seventh in 32:12.97 and 10th in 32:36.12 respectively.
Wanza described the 2026 campaign as a season she will cherish forever after adding a Commonwealth silver medal to her growing collection. "2026 is a blessing year for me. It is a year I will always remember as my breakthrough season," she said.
"From winning gold at the African Championships to now winning silver at the Commonwealth Games on my debut."
On May 15, Wanza captured her maiden continental crown at the African Championships in Accra, Ghana, stopping the clock in 31:33.26. The soft-spoken distance runner attributed her success in Glasgow to the unwavering support she has received throughout the season. "I thank my Kenyan fans back home, my family and my management for their support."
