Tokyo, Japan — Kenya cemented its dominance at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics on Monday with a sensational clean sweep in the men’s 5000m final — led by the unstoppable Ian Wambui Kahinga, who obliterated both the World and Deaflympics records in a performance that shook the Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium.
Kahinga stormed to victory in 13:52.83, smashing the long-standing record of 14:02.90 set in 2013 by Kenyan legend Simon Cherono Kibai in Sofia, Bulgaria. His breathtaking run rewrote history and confirmed his arrival as the new king of deaf long-distance running.
Right behind him, James Mwanza Musembi powered home for silver in 14:15.28, while Nelson Kipkorir Rotich sealed the podium with a bronze in 14:43.35, making it a stunning 1-2-3 Kenyan finish.
For more than a decade, Kenyans asked the same question: Who will take over from Simon Kibai Cherono — the most decorated Deaflymppian in our history?
On Monday, they got their answer. Kahinga delivered a race of breathtaking precision — conserving, attacking, and finally overpowering the entire field. In a highly tactical contest, he and Musembi matched stride for stride until Kahinga unleashed an explosive kick with three laps to go. From there, he never looked back.
“I expected to break the world record,”
Kahinga said after the race, his joy radiating across the stadium.
“This is my first time breaking a world record, so I feel very proud. I listened to the coaches, I listened to my body, and everything worked perfectly.”
Kahinga dedicated the victory to his family and Team Kenya athletics coach Samuel Kibet, who he said has been instrumental in shaping his career.
Silver medalist Musembi, competing in his first Deaflympics, admitted the rivalry with Kahinga pushed him to new heights.
“It feels so good. Ian is a very good athlete,”
he said.
Musembi had already announced his arrival on the global stage by winning gold in the 1500m earlier in the week.
Rotich, meanwhile, credited team spirit for helping him secure bronze:
“During the semifinals I was scared, but today I was on fire. We trained together yesterday knowing what was coming. They guided me, and I managed to finish third.”
By virtue of breaking the world and Deaflympics records, Kahinga will receive: Sh 5 million (record-breaking bonus) Sh 3 million (5000m gold) Sh 3 million (10,000m gold won last week)
A total of Sh 11 million, plus a business-class flight home courtesy of the Government of Kenya. Kahinga says he will invest in his training, start a business, and support his young family.
The 5000m sweep is one of Kenya’s most dominant moments in Deaflympics history. It came shortly after Viola Jelimo won bronze in the women’s 5000m, further boosting the country’s medal tally.
And despite heartbreak in the men’s 4x400m relay — where Simon Menza fell after being tripped by a Japanese athlete, with Kenya’s appeal dismissed — the spirit in camp remains electric.
Kenya’s nedal tally stands at 14 Medals (5 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze)
Gold Ian Wambui Kahinga – Men’s 10,000m James Mwanza Musembi – Men’s 1,500m Lucas Wanjiru Wandia – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase Elikana Kiprop Rono – Men’s 800m Ian Wambui Kahinga – Men’s 5,000m (World + Deaflympics Record)
Silver David Kipkogei – Men’s 10,000m 4×400m Mixed Relay Elikana Kiprop Rono – Men’s 1,500m Jacob Kipkemoi Kibet – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase James Mwanza Musembi – Men’s 5,000m
Bronze Sharon Bitok Jeptarus – Women’s 1,500m Serah Wangari Kimani – Women’s 10,000m Nelson Kipkorir Rotich – Men’s 5,000m Viola Jelimo – Women’s 5,000m
Kenya’s dominance in distance running is no longer just tradition — it is a legacy carried forward by a new generation of champions. And on Day 10 in Tokyo, Ian Wambui Kahinga stood tallest of them all.
