•Kemboi is renowned for his devastating kick in the last lap and gusto on the track
•Serem says he still has to work on his speed as well as self-confidence
•He is also eyeing May's Kip Keino Classic where he will be hoping for better fortunes than last year's edition
World Under 20 3,000m steeplechase champion Amos Serem is hopeful 2022 will be the second coming of Ezekiel Kemboi as he bids to replicate the achievements of the two-time Olympic champion at the World Championships in Oregon in July.
Serem says the chance to fulfill the tag as Kemboi's heir-apparent motivates him constantly as he intensifies his training.
"Right now my focus is on the World Championships in Oregon. I believe this is the year for me to start measuring up to that tag (Kemboi's heir-apparent) and I know it is possible. For me, gold in Oregon or even a podium place will be the definition of a successful year," Serem said.
"Last year in Tokyo, we lost our Olympic crown in the steeplechase and Oregon offers an opportunity for us to reclaim our honour. I believe I am equipped to do it on behalf of Kenya."
Kemboi, a four-time world 3,000m steeplechase champion, is renowned for his devastating kick in the last lap and gusto on the track, often topped by a jig at the finish line.
Serem says he has been talking to the legend himself and received precious advice to spur his career.
"I met him in Eldoret some time back and we talked a lot on matters athletics. He gave me useful pointers on how to strategise for the 3,000m steeplechase because it is a race of tactics. He advised me, in particular, on how to navigate the barriers," he said.
The 19-year-old has amazed fans and foes with his liveliness on the track such as when he gestured to the crowd at Moi Stadium, Kasarani to keep calm while he overtook Ethiopia's Tadese Tekele in the last lap at the World Under 20 Championships in Nairobi last year.
However, he believes he has to work on his self-confidence.
"One, I need to improve on my speed work because that has been a conspicuous weakness. I also need to work on my self-confidence and I know this will come as I compete in different events," he said.
Serem was in action during the third leg of the Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meeting in Nairobi where he timed 8:31.32 to win his specialty.
He is also targeting May's Kip Keino Classic where he will be hoping for better fortunes than last year, where he finished fourth in 8:25.30.
"Apart from the World Championships, there is also the Diamond League and so Kip Keino Classic provides the perfect platform to prepare. Last year, Soufiane El Bakkali (Olympic champion) beat us on home soil and we want to prevent that. He has a devastating sprint in the last lap and so we need to be at top speed to contend with him," Serem said.
Although he will not be defending his Under 20 title in Cali, Colombia in August, the youngster believes the crown will come back to Kenya courtesy of World Under 20 bronze medalist Simon Koech.
"His endurance is quite good and is skilled at jumping over the barriers. I believe he will be the next Under 20 champion if he competes in Colombia," said Serem.