Deaflympics: Sensational Musembi bags 1500m gold for Kenya

Kenya’s James Mwanza Musembi is the new Deaflympics men’s 1,500-meter champion.

The 21-year-old athlete from Machakos County stormed to victory on Wednesday at the ongoing Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, securing the gold medal in three minutes and 45.61 seconds at the historic Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium.

His compatriot Elikana Kiprop Rono clinched the silver medal in 3:50.22, while in the female category of the same race, Kenya’s Sharon Bitok Jeptarus scooped the bronze medal in 4:43.65.

With the results, Kenya has now bagged seven medals in the Games—two gold medals, three silver medals, and two bronze medals.

In winning the race at the Komaza Olympic Park Gymnasium, Musembi lived up to the expectations as the man to watch in the event. In front of hundreds of spectators, he dominated the race from start to finish. “I’m so happy about my victory today,” he said briefly, his face glowing with excitement.

Kenya’s Deaf Athletics coach Samuel Kibet heaped praise on Musembi, tipping him to dominate the middle-distance running in future deaf competitions.

“Since our national trials, I observed him and realized that he has huge potential. We have great hopes in him, and if all goes well, the deaf community will have a champion to watch,” said Kibet.

Kenya’s hope of a podium sweep did not materialize after the former champion John Koech faded in the race. Despite a spirited late push, Koech did not manage to break into the medal position and settled for fourth in 3:59.35.

The women’s event was won by Jullia Emilyevna, who clocked 4:39.65 ahead of Portuguese Mira Da Silva M, who finished the race in 4:40.60.

Viola Jelimo and Rebecca Matiko who were Kenya’s other representatives in the race finished ninth and 14th in 4:55.52 and 5:08.35 respectively.

To secure the bronze medal, Bitok was forced to dig in the final stages of the race. She headed into the race eyeing her first gold medal in her second Deaflympics appearance. 

At the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul in Brazil, Bitok won an impressive triple silver medal – in the 1,500m, 4x400m relay and 800m women. In Tokyo, she will also be competing in the women's 800m.

Kenya’s medal tally so far stands at two gold, three silver and two bronze.