James Musembi stormed to victory in the men’s 1,500m on Wednesday to win Kenya’s second gold medal at the ongoing 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan
Musembi, 21, from Machakos County dominated the race to cruise to victory after clocking 3:45.61, followed in second place by compatriot Elkana Rono, who clocked 3:50.22 at Komaza Olympic Park Gymnasium.
In the female category, Kenya’s Sharon Bitok won a bronze medal in 4:43.65. Kenya has now bagged seven medals at the Games – two gold, three silver and two bronze.
Musembi lived up to the expectations as the man to watch in the event. In front of hundreds of spectators, he led the race from start to finish.
“I’m so happy about my victory today,” he said.
Kenya’s Deaf Athletics coach, Samuel Kibet, heaped praise on Musembi, tipping him to dominate the middle-distance running in future deaf competitions.
“Since our national trials, I observed him and realised that he has huge potential. We have great hopes in him, and if all goes well, the deaf community will have a champion to watch,” said Kibet
Kenya’s hope of a podium sweep did not materialise after the former champion John Koech faded in the race. Despite a spirited late push, Koech did not manage to break into the medal position and settled for fourth in 3:59.35.
The women’s event was won by Iullia Emilyevna, who clocked 4:39.65 ahead of Portuguese Mira Da Silva M, who finished the race in 4:40.60.
Viola Jelimo and Rebecca Matiko, who were Kenya’s other representatives in the race, finished ninth and 14th in 4:55.52 and 5:08.35, respectively.
To secure the bronze medal, Bitok was forced to dig deep in the final stages of the race. She headed into the race eying her first gold medal in her second Deaflympics appearance.
At the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul in Brazil, Bitok won an impressive triple silver medal in the 1,500m, 4x400m relay, and 800m women. In Tokyo, she will also be competing in the women’s 800m.
by ANGWENYI GICHANA
