Geordie Beamish produced a frantic sprint finish to the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, stunning Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali and ending his streak of major titles with a dramatic victory for New Zealand.
As he did when winning the world indoor 1500m crown last year, Beamish employed a patient, tactical approach. He stayed tucked in through a slow race before unleashing a devastating final kick in the closing stages.
Full Results – Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Final
- Geordie Beamish (NZL) – 8:33.88
- Soufiane El Bakkali (MAR) – 8:33.95
- Edmund Serem (KEN) – 8:34.56
- Samuel Firewu (ETH) – 8:34.68
- Salaheddine Ben Yazide (MAR) – 8:35.16
- Lamecha Girma (ETH) – 8:35.60
- Nicolas-Marie Daru (FRA) – 8:35.77
- Ryuji Miura (JPN) – 8:35.90
- Daniel Michalski (USA) – 8:37.12
- Ruben Querinjean (LUX) – 8:37.49
- Ahmed Jaziri (TUN) – 8:39.30
- Frederik Ruppert (GER) – 8:39.83
- Jean-Simon Desgagnés (CAN) – 8:39.96
- Getnet Wale (ETH) – 8:41.23
- Niklas Buchholz (GER) – 8:42.81
DNF. Abraham Kibiwot (KEN)
The New Zealander edged past El Bakkali, the reigning two-time world and Olympic champion, on the home straight to win in 8:33.88. El Bakkali settled for silver in 8:33.95, while Kenya’s 17-year-old Edmund Serem celebrated a breakthrough bronze in 8:34.56.
The race lived up to expectations, with a strong field that included defending champion El Bakkali and world record holder Lamecha Girma. With five laps to go, Kenya’s Serem briefly led, while Japan’s Ryuji Miura thrilled home fans with a spirited run. Frederick Ruppert, fresh from a Diamond League triumph in Zurich, and Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu also featured prominently.
With 400m to go, El Bakkali appeared ready to deliver his trademark late surge, with Girma also pushing hard. But Beamish tracked the Moroccan closely and, in the final meters, summoned an unstoppable burst to snatch the title.
The 28-year-old became the first New Zealander to win a world steeplechase medal of any kind, while Serem announced himself as a star for the future by clinching bronze on his senior debut.