After bagging three silver medals at the last Summer Deaflympics, Kenya’s middle-distance runner Sharon Bitok is targeting two gold medals at the 25th edition of the Games, which kick off next Saturday in Tokyo, Japan.
Bitok, 29, claimed silver in the 1500m, 800m, and 4x400m relay at the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
The Iten-born athlete says the experience has fueled her ambition to go one better in Tokyo.
“I want to win that gold so I can get the Sh3 million reward recently announced by President William Ruto,” Bitok said.
“The money will help me provide for my child and support my family.”
The mother of one made her international debut at the 2021 World Deaf Athletics Championships in Lublin, Poland, where she failed to medal.
She says that experience prepared her for later success.
“The first time I competed in Poland, I was scared and finished among the last. But in Brazil, I had confidence — that’s how I managed three silvers,” she recalled.
Bitok was among 31 athletes honoured during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.
The hairdresser-turned-athlete is eyeing gold in the 800m and 1500m events and has intensified her training in recent weeks.
“As I head to Tokyo, I plan to smash the silver linings. My goal is not just to reach the podium but to come back home with gold,” she said.
She has been focusing on speed work for the 800m and endurance for the 1500m, saying she feels ready for the challenge.
“I feel inspired and strong. I can floor any rivals who will be up against me,” she stated.
Although aware that some competitors from Europe have better training facilities, Bitok remains confident.
“They may have better resources, but I’ve done my homework well. Let’s meet on the track and see how it all pans out,” she added.
Bitok will line up in the 800m alongside Aidah Odero, while Viola Chelimo and Rebecca Matiko will join her in the 1500m.
The team is under the guidance of coaches Sammy Kibet and Caroline Kola.
“We’ve had a conversation with our instructors. They’ve shown us how to approach the races to ensure Kenya finishes in the medal brackets,” said Bitok.
by ANGWENYI GICHANA
