Edmund Serem during the Tokyo World Championships/KELLYAYODI
World Athletics has announced the three finalists for the 2025 Men’s Rising Star Award — and Kenyans dominate the shortlist, with two of the three nominees.
The award, which honours the year’s best U20 athlete, will be presented at the World Athletics Awards on November 30.
This year’s nominations recognise some of the sport’s most exciting young talents, following standout performances across major global competitions, including the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25.
Leading the Kenyan charge is Phanuel Koech, who made history earlier this season by breaking the world U20 1500m record.
The 19-year-old also claimed victory at the London Diamond League, cementing his reputation as one of the brightest prospects in middle-distance running.
He is joined by compatriot Edmund Serem, who impressed on the world stage with a bronze medal in the 3000m steeplechase at the Tokyo World Championships. Serem capped off his season with a strong runner-up finish at the Diamond League final.
Ethiopia’s Biniam Mehary completes the trio of finalists. The teenager set a world U20 record over 3000m on the short track and finished fifth in the 5000m at the World Championships, marking him as one of Africa’s most promising long-distance runners.
The dominance of Kenyan athletes in this year’s shortlist highlights the nation’s ongoing success in nurturing world-class young talent. Koech and Serem will be strong contenders to follow in the footsteps of past Rising Star winners who have gone on to achieve senior global titles.
The Women’s Rising Star Award finalists will be announced tomorrow.
Alongside the Rising Star categories, the 2025 World Athletics Awards will also celebrate achievements across the sport with honours including World Athlete of the Year, Coaching Achievement Award, Woman of the Year, Photograph of the Year, Member Federation Award and the President’s Award.
