By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, November 21 2025 - Kenya’s search for more medals at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics reached new heights on Friday as seven athletes secured spots in various finals. Leading the charge were gold medalists Ian Wambui Kahinga and James Mwanza Musembi, who have made their mark at these Games.
Joining them in the finals are Nelson Kipkorir, Isaac Atima, Rael Wamira, Hillary Kipkorir, and Stephen Okoth, all with their eyes set on bringing more glory home. As expected, Kahinga—fresh from his men’s 10,000 meters victory—and Musembi, champion in the 1,500 meters, both reached the final of the men’s 5,000 meters event held at Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium.
Earlier in the week, Kahinga gave Kenya its first gold by winning the 10,000 meters with a time of 29:19.63, while Musembi dominated the 1,500 meters race to take gold in 3:49.83. In the men’s 5,000-meter heats on Friday, the two ran together at the front throughout the race. Kahinga finished first in heat two with a time of 14:59.65, closely followed by Musembi, who clocked 14:59.99.
Nelson Kipkorir Rotich also made it to the 5,000 meters final after taking second place in heat one, finishing in 15:28.19, just behind Iraq’s Aws Mohammed.
Reflecting on his race, Kahinga—who won silver in this event at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil—expressed determination to go for gold and aim for the world record. “Team Kenya is united, and I am not worried about the competition from Musembi. We have a strategy to help each other get the best time. My dream is to break the world record,” said Kahinga. Musembi added, “We will run together again and our aim is to win. I am confident of getting a medal.”
The much-awaited men’s 5,000 meters final takes place on Monday at 3:10 p.m. local time (9:10 a.m. in Kenya). In another highlight, team captain Isaac Atima reached the men’s 400-meter hurdles final—set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (8:30 a.m. Kenya time)—after placing second in his heat with 54.91 seconds. America’s Jarvis Jermaine topped the heat with 54.67 seconds.
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Atima shared his excitement, saying, “I had previously lost to some of the athletes in today’s heat, so winning today makes me very happy.” Atima was also part of Kenya’s team that bagged bronze in the 4x400m mixed relay earlier in the week.
Rael Wamira moved to the women’s long jump final after a personal best of 5.03 meters. She is hopeful ahead of Monday’s showdown, stating, “This is my first time reaching the final in long jump. I aim to win a medal and hopefully jump at least six meters.” Hillary Kipkorir and Stephen Okoth secured their places in the men’s javelin final, throwing 50.58 meters and 49.66 meters respectively. They will compete for medals on Sunday.
Kenya’s coach, Samuel Kibet, is optimistic about more success, praising the team’s achievements in both javelin and track events. “Our athletes have performed well so far. We are hopeful that those in the finals will continue to deliver great results. Their hard work shows we can increase our medal count,” he said.
So far, Kenya has won seven medals from the ongoing Deaflympics: two gold, three silver, and two bronze, giving the country plenty to celebrate and more to anticipate from its athletes.
