The curtains came down on the 25th Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, with Team Kenya winning a total of 15 medals.
Kenya won five gold, six silver, and four bronze.
On Tuesday, Kenya’s veteran deaf athlete David Kiptum Kipkogei clinched a silver medal in the men’s marathon.
Kipkogei, 46, crossed the finish line on the Tokyo Expressway in 2:17:30 behind Sweden’s Otto Kingstedt, who claimed the gold medal in 2:16:10.
Colombia’s Jose Libardo won the bronze medal in 2:23:50
In the women’s marathon, Kenya finished empty-handed after both Serah Kimani and Grancy Kandagor failed to finish the race. Team Kenya had hoped to conclude their campaign in the competition on a high note by winning gold medals in both events.
However, it was not to be with the biting cold and morning showers taking a heavy toll on the athletes. Initially, a Kenyan gold medal in the men’s marathon looked realistic as Kipkogei and two-time Deaflympics marathon silver medalist Peter Toroitich led the pack toe-to-toe. Toroitich was the first to fade at the 30km mark, owing to what looked to be a hamstring injury. He did not finish the race.
Left alone at the front, Kipkogei soldiered on, though he too looked to be uncomfortable. With about two kilometres to go, Kingstedt surged ahead and never looked back.
“I would like to thank God because this is my first time participating in the marathon at the Deaflympics and I have won a silver medal,” said Kipkogei.
He added, “My goal was to get a gold medal, but I experienced some leg cramps. I still pushed myself, and I’m happy that I got a silver.”
It is the second silver medal Kipkogei won at the competition as he finished second in the men’s 10,000m on Monday last week.
Despite the disappointment of not dominating the races, Kenya’s deaf athletics coach, Samuel Kibet, said he is happy with the performance of his athletes.
“Because we missed the marathon in the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, I’m seeing the silver we have won as a good comeback, and we hope to do better at the next Deaflympics, ” said Kibet.
The Director of Sports, Jaxon Indakwa, congratulated Team Kenya for putting up a strong performance at the championships.
“So far, we have 15 medals, including five gold, and that is not a mean feat. On top of that, we have a world record. This is really exemplary, and we want to congratulate the 5000m runner (Ian Wambui) for breaking the world and Deaflympic record. Even those who did not win a medal gave their best,” said Indakwa.
He promised that the Ministry of Sports will continue to support deaf athletes to take part in various competitions.
Record breakers and medal winner
World Record
Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 5000m (13:52.83)
Deaflympics Record
Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 5000m (13:52.83)
Gold
1. Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 10000m (29:19.56)
2. James Mwanza Musembi- Men’s 1500m (3:49.61)
3 . Lucas Wanjiru Wandia- Men’s 3000m sc (9:06.95)
4. Elikana Kiprop Rono- Men’s 800m (1:53.02)
5. Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 5000m (13:52.83)
Silver
1. David Kiptum Kipkogei – Men’s 10000m (29:27.63)
2.4x400m Mix Relay (Simon Gona Menza, Linet Fwamba Nanjala, Isaac Tongi Atima, Beryl Atieno Wamira) 3:38.05
3 . Elikana Kiprop Rono- Men’s 1500m (3:50.27)
4. Jacob Kipkemoi Kibet- Men’s 3000m sc (9:09.88)
5. James Mwanza Musembi- Men’s 5000m (14:15.28)
6. David Kiptum Kipkogei- Men’s Marathon (2:17:30)
Bronze
1. Sharon Bitok Jeptarus- Women’s 1500m (4:43.65)
2. Serah Wangari Kimani- Women’s 10000m (37:24.37)
3. Nelson Rotich Kipkorir- Men’s 5000m (14:43.35)
4. Viola Jelimo- Women’s 5000m (17:26.83)
by ANGWENYI GICHANA
