Kenya will look to extend its dominance in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase when Emmanuel Lemiso and Nicholas Kitum line up at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, from August 5 to 9.

The pair arrive in the United States carrying strong credentials after impressive performances on the continental stage and will be among Kenya’s brightest medal hopes in the championship.

Lemiso, the reigning African Under-18 champion, has enjoyed a breakthrough season and heads to Eugene full of confidence after winning the Kenyan trials in a personal best of 8:35.30.

The 18-year-old, who is a Form Three student at Raila Educational Centre, says he has focused on improving his technique over the barriers—an area he previously considered his biggest weakness.

“I have improved in my training unlike before. Going over the barriers was one of my weaknesses, but I have worked hard on it. I feel ready for the competition and my target is to finish on the podium,” Lemiso said.

Alongside him will be Nicholas Kitum, the African Under-20 silver medalist, who believes his steady progress in the event has prepared him to compete with the world’s best junior athletes.

The Kalyet Secondary School student from West Pokot said his move into the steeplechase came after encouragement from one of his teachers during regional competitions, a decision that has transformed his athletics career.

“My teacher advised me to try the 3,000m steeplechase during the regional championships, and that’s how I started. I’ve also competed in cross-country, which has helped me improve. I want to perform well and come home with a medal,” Kitum said.

The teenager also revealed that the World Under-20 Championships are another step toward his long-term ambition of representing Kenya at the 2028 Olympic Games.

Kenya heads into the championships with the confidence of a nation that has built a rich tradition in the steeplechase. The country won the men’s 3,000m steeplechase title at the previous World Under-20 Championships through Edmund Sere, who has since graduated to the senior ranks and recently claimed the Commonwealth crown.

With Lemiso’s recent rise and Kitum’s consistency, Kenya will be hoping the next generation can once again deliver gold and maintain the country’s reputation in one of its signature events.