Ian Wambui, 24, won Kenya’s first gold medal at the ongoing 25th Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, after cruising to victory in the 10,000m on Monday.
The Nyahururu-based Wambui clinched gold after storming to victory in 29:19.56 at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium with compatriot and former champion David Kipkogei settling for silver. Kipkogei finished in 29:27.63 while China’s Xu Kuantian settled for the bronze medal after finishing third in 30:04.83.
In the 4x400m Mixed Relay, the quartet of Isaac Atima Tong’i, Linet Fwamba, Beryl Wamira, and Simon Menza claimed the silver medal in 3:40.05, behind champions Ukraine. Colombia finished third to settle for bronze.
Speaking after his victory in the men’s 10,000m, Wambui said that though he was confident of a podium finish in the race, he was not entirely sure that he would clinch the gold medal.
He noted that the race felt relatively easy for him, and he hoped to break the record held by three-time champion Symon Kibai, who did not make the squad for this edition of the Games.
“I enjoyed my run. It was just like a normal day. I thank God for the win, and I hope that as Team Kenya, we will continue to do better in other races that are yet to come,” said Wambui.
The victory, he said, has motivated him to chase a three-peat in the competition. Apart from seeking to defend his title in the 1,500m men, Wambui will also be out to upgrade the men’s 5000m silver he won at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil to gold.
“I’m also gunning for the gold medal in the 1,500m and 5,000 m. I’m strong and motivated,” added the jubilant Wambui.
Kipkogei, who won a gold medal in the race in the 2009 edition held in Taipei, Taiwan, said he was delighted to win a silver medal. He had clinched a bronze medal at the previous Games in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
“I have done my best and I’m very happy about it. I know that I am a bit aged, but I’m happy I can compete in these races and win medals,” said the 46-year-old Kipkogei.
He ruled out any possibility of retiring soon and said he has shifted his attention to the men’s marathon, where he has set his sights on clinching a gold medal.
In the 4x400m mixed relay, Kenya was beaten by Ukraine’s Dmytro Rudenko, Solomiia Kuprych, Serhii Drach, and Kristina Kiniaaikina, who timed 3:33.91. The bronze medal went to Colombia, where Roberto Mosquera, Guerrero Garces Diego Alvarez, and Beltran Matinez clocked 3:40.65 to finish third.
Earlier in the men’s 400m heats, Isaac Atima Tong’i and Menza sailed through to the semi-finals after finishing first in both heats four and six, respectively. Both athletes timed 50.70.
by ANGWENYI GICHANA
