On Monday, September 15, 2025, New Zealand’s Geordie Beamish won a thrilling gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The 28-year-old outran Morocco’s two-time champion Soufiane El Bakkali in a dramatic final sprint, claiming New Zealand’s first track gold at the event.
Beamish finished in 8:33.88, edging El Bakkali by just 0.07 seconds. Despite a fall in the heats, he surged through the pack in the last 200 meters. Kenya’s 17-year-old Edmund Serem took bronze in 8:34.56. The Tokyo crowd cheered wildly as Beamish celebrated, while a tearful El Bakkali collapsed after hitting the final barrier.
17 Year Old Edmund Serem wins bronze for Kenya in the 3000 Metres Steeplechase at the World Championship in Tokyo.
Defending Champion Sofiane El Bakkali stunned by Geordie Beamish on the Finish Line#TeamKenya pic.twitter.com/4P9u13gdsZ
— The Truthful Men (@Dollar__SM) September 15, 2025Beamish, overjoyed, said, “This was unreal. I’m stoked!” He visualised victory and pushed hard at the end. El Bakkali, upset by the loss, called it tough but congratulated Beamish. Serem, thrilled to race with legends, credited marathon star Eliud Kipchoge for his training. The emotions showed the race’s intensity.
Beamish’s win ended El Bakkali’s reign as Olympic and world champion. It marked a historic moment for New Zealand in a gruelling event. Serem’s bronze signals a bright future. The race captivated fans, showing the heart and drama of world-class athletics.
Geordie Beamish’s stunning steeplechase gold over Soufiane El Bakkali lit up Tokyo 2025. This thrilling race is a highlight of the World Championships.
