Kenya celebrated a spectacular Day 9 at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics after Lucas Wanjiru Wandia and Elikana Kiprop Rono successfully defended their titles in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase and 800m, pushing the country’s medal haul to 10 medals.
Kenya now stands at 4 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals, marking one of the nation’s strongest starts in Deaflympics history.
In a dramatic and emotional race, Lucas Wandia overcame a painful fall at the water jump in the second lap but rose with purpose, powering to victory in 9:06.95. His teammate Jacob Kipkemoi Kibet sealed silver in 9:09.16, completing a Kenyan 1–2 finish. China’s Xi Kuantian settled for bronze in 9:09.88.
The triumph cements Wandia’s place among Deaflympics greats as he becomes a three-time consecutive champion after earlier victories in Samsun 2017 and Brazil 2022, following his silver debut in Sofia 2013.
“I told myself I wouldn’t stay down. Kenya is a big nation, and I couldn’t go home empty-handed,”
Wandia said after clinching his historic win.
In the men’s 800m final, Elikana Rono showed grit and brilliance as he unleashed a devastating final sprint to retain his title in 1:53.02, narrowly edging out Japan’s Kousei Higuchi (1:53.22). Czech Republic’s Dalibor Tulak placed third (1:53.33).
“The race was tight—no space to move,”
Rono said.
“But with 100m to go, I told myself to give everything. I’m glad it worked.”
Rono will receive Sh3 million for his gold medal and an additional Sh2 million for the earlier silver in the men’s 1500m. Kenya’s Deaf athletics head coach Samuel Kibet praised the team for thriving despite cold, harsh conditions.
“The weather was challenging, but our athletes showed courage and determination. Today’s results give us great hope for even more medals,”
he said.
Kenya’s Medal Tally – Day 9
Total: 10 medals (4 Gold, 4 Silver, 2 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
🥈 Silver
David Kiptum Kipkogei – Men’s 10,000m 4×400m Mixed Relay — Menza, Nanjala, Atima, Wamira Elikana Kiprop Rono – Men’s 1,500m Jacob Kipkemoi Kibet – Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase
🥉 Bronze Sharon Bitok Jeptarus – Women’s 1,500m Serah Wangari Kimani – Women’s 10,000m
Kenya continues to shine in Tokyo — with more finals underway and the promise of additional podium finishes on the horizon.
