Team Kenya kicked off its medal hunt in spectacular fashion at the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, delivering a powerful statement on Day 3 with a gold–silver sweep in the men’s 10,000m and a brilliant silver in the 4x400m mixed relay.
🇰🇪 Wambui Crowned 10,000m Deaflympics Champion Kenya’s Ian Wambui Kahinga stormed to a sensational victory to claim gold in the men’s 10,000m final at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.
The 24-year-old Nyahururu talent clocked an impressive 29:19.56, dominating the race with confidence and composure.
His teammate and veteran star David Kipkogei produced a strong performance to clinch silver in 29:27.63, securing a Kenyan 1–2 finish that electrified the stadium. China’s Xu Kuantian settled for bronze. Wambui, who looked relaxed and in full control throughout the race, said the victory surprised even him.
“I enjoyed my run. It felt like a normal day. I thank God for the win, and I hope as Team Kenya we continue doing even better,”
— Ian Wambui Kahinga
He now turns his focus to chasing more glory in the 1,500m and 5,000m, where he aims to upgrade his 2022 silver to gold.
Kipkogei, the 2009 Deaflympics champion, was equally thrilled with his silver medal.
“I have done my best and I’m happy about it. Age is catching up but I can still compete and win,”
— David Kipkogei
The 46-year-old has now set his sights on the men’s marathon, hoping to end his Tokyo campaign with another gold.
Kenya Bags Silver in 4x400m Mixed Relay Kenya added to its medal tally with a superb performance in the 4x400m mixed relay, where the team of Isaac Atima, Linet Fwamba, Beryl Wamira, and Simon Menza powered to a silver medal in 3:40.05. They finished behind a strong Ukrainian quartet that clinched gold in 3:33.91, while Colombia secured bronze.
The relay team’s well-timed exchanges and powerful finishing stretch showed Kenya’s depth and determination on the track. Earlier in the day, both Atima and Menza advanced to the men’s 400m semifinals after winning their respective heats in identical times of 50.70.
A Strong Start With More Promise Ahead With a gold and two silvers already in the bag, Team Kenya has launched its Deaflympics campaign in emphatic style. The athletes remain hungry, motivated, and united as they continue their quest for historic performances in Tokyo.
The nation watches with pride — and the medal journey is only just beginning.
