Deaflympics: Inspired by World champion Wanyonyi, Rono targets back-to-back 800m glory in Tokyo

Reigning Deaflympics 800 metres men’s champion Elikana Kiprop Rono has vowed to successfully defend the title in the 25th edition of the quadrennial multi-sport event set for November 15 to 26 in Tokyo, Japan.

The 25-year-old athlete, who idolises World and Olympics 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi says retaining the crown will affirm his dominance in the competition that will run for two weeks.

Rono clinched the gold medal in the previous Deaflympics held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil in 2022, clocking 1:54.75 seconds to give Kenya the deserved glory.

“I won’t let the mzungus (white athletes) to take the gold medal. It belongs to the Kenyan people,” vowed Rono, adding that his body is in perfect shape, having trained rigorously with the rest of Team Kenya at their residential camp at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi.

Kenya will field three athletes in the men’s 800m with Rono leading compatriots John Koech and Brian Kiptoo.

The trio qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics by claiming the podium places in that order at the national trials held in September at the Ulinzi Sports complex in Nairobi.

Without revealing much details, Rono said they have come up with an elaborate plan aimed at ensuring that Kenya dominate the race to sweep the podium.

With Spaniard Jaime Martinez having given him a run for his money in Brazil, Rono has planned to leave nothing to chance this time around. Martinez won the silver medal after crossing the line just 13 milliseconds behind Rono.

“I feel amazing to participate in the Deaflympics for the second time. I want to make it memorable by running strongly because last time, he (Martinez) was so close to beating me. This time I won’t give him or any other athlete that chance,” he swore.

Rono says he began running while studying at Iten Primary School for the Deaf in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, having been introduced into the sport by his father David Chengweno, and uncle Rejan Kimathi.

He recalls winning several races during his time at Kapsabet Secondary School for the Deaf – an achievement that motivated him to pursue a career in athletics.

Admiring Wanyonyi for his consistent impressive performance over the distance, Rono says his greatest wish is to compete against him, believing that such an opportunity would go a long way in making him a stronger athlete.

“Wanyonyi is my role model, I love the way he works hard and is so passionate about his craft, this has seen him win major races. Competing against him will not only inspire me, but will take my game to the next level,” Rono underlined.