Germany’s Frederik Ruppert etched his name into athletics history at the Diamond League Final in Zurich by becoming the first European man ever to win the men’s 3000m steeplechase. The 27-year-old delivered a composed yet powerful performance, clocking 8:09.02 to secure a groundbreaking victory.
Ruppert’s triumph came in dramatic fashion, as he surged past Kenya’s teenage sensation Edmund Serem in the final sprint. Serem, the reigning World Under-20 champion, looked on course for victory before being edged out in the closing stages, settling for silver in 8:09.96. Morocco’s Salaheddine Ben Yazide ran a strong race to claim third in 8:14.10, while Spain’s Daniel Arce narrowly missed out on the podium in fourth.
Full Results:
- Frederik Ruppert (GER) – 8:09.02
- Edmund Serem (KEN) – 8:09.96
- Salaheddine Ben Yazide (MAR) – 8:14.10
- Daniel Arce (ESP) – 8:14.36
- Nicolas-Marie Daru (FRA) – 8:18.68
- Isaac Updike (USA) – 8:19.47
- Mohamed Amin Jhinaoui (TUN) – 8:24.75
- Abrham Sime (ETH) – 8:28.13
- Tim van de Velde (BEL) – 8:31.52
DNF – Wilberforce Chemiat Kones (KEN)
DNF – Wesley Langat (KEN)
The race highlighted Ruppert’s resilience against a traditionally East African-dominated event. Serem, though disappointed, showcased his immense potential, while Ben Yazide confirmed his rise as one of Morocco’s brightest distance-running prospects.
The contest also underlined the unforgiving nature of the steeplechase, with Kenyan pair Wilberforce Chemiat Kones and Wesley Langat unable to finish.
Ruppert’s historic victory will go down as a turning point in the event’s legacy, marking the first time a European has broken through to claim the Diamond League’s steeplechase crown.