Deaflympics: Wandia, Rono defend titles as Kenya increases medal tally to 10

Kenya on Sunday increased its medal tally at the ongoing Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics to 10, with Lucas Wandia and Elikana Rono successfully defending their titles in the men’s 3,000meters steeplechase and 800m respectively.

It was a 1-2 finish for Kenya in the steeplechase as Jacob Kibet secured silver medal in the hotly contested final run under chilly weather and pregnant skies in the Japanese capital.

The track and field events at the 25th Summer Deaflympics are taking place at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.

Kenya has now won four gold medals, four silver medals and two bronze medals. Wandia’s triumph in the steeplechase was sweet as he overcame a nasty fall in the second lap at the water point area.

He secured the gold medal in 9minutes 06.95seconds while Kibet scooped the silver medal in 9:09.16. Chinese Xi Kuantian claimed the bronze medal in 9:09.88.

With the emphatic victory, Wandia has now won the Deaflympics men’s steeplechase title three times in a row.

After winning silver medal in his Deaflympics debut in Sofia, Bulgaria in 2013, the Kiambu-based athlete went on to clinch a back-to-back gold medal in the same event in Samsun, Turkey in 2017, and in Caxias do Sul in Brazil in 2022.

“I have been praying so hard for this. It is not an easy task,” said Wandia in regards to winning the Deaflympics for an unprecedented third straight time.

“Before I left Kenya, I promised that I would have to come back with a medal be it gold, silver or bronze. I’m happy that I have been able to get a gold medal. When I fell during the race, I decided that I was not going to remain down, I got up because Kenya is a very big nation and I did not want to go back home empty handed. The government has supported me to come to Tokyo and they have high expectations which means I have a big responsibility,” he added. 

In the men’s 800m final, Rono had to dig deep towards the end to retain his title. Although he started strongly, he was overtaken by other athletes with only a powerful kick in the closing stages coming to his rescue.

He clocked 1:53.02 ahead of Japanese Kousei Higuchi, who timed 1:53.22 while Czech Dalibor Tulak came third in 1:53. 33.

“The competition was really tough. We had so many opponents who were making me feel stuck because we did not have enough space to run. With about 100m left to the finish line, I decided to do my best and make sure that I finish fast. I just won by a small margin but I’m really happy that I was able to do it,” said Rono.

Kenya deaf athletics coach Samuel Kibet praised his athletes for delivering a strong performance despite the extreme cold conditions.

“The weather today was very cold. In fact, it gave me a different thinking that everything may not go as we had planned. I thank my athletes and God so much for what we have achieved today,” said Kibet.

Both Wandia and Rono will each be rewarded with Ksh3 million for their feats by the state, they will also be flown in business class while returning home. Rono will get another Sh2 million for a silver won in men’s 1500m race.

Kenya’s Medal Tally on Day 9 of the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics

Gold

1.Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 10000m (29:19.56)

2.James Mwanza Musembi- Men’s 1500m (3:49.61)

3.Lucas Wanjiru Wandia- Men’s 3000m sc (9:06.95)

4.Elikana Kiprop Rono- Men’s 800m (1:53.02)

Silver

1.David Kiptum Kipkogei - Men’s 10000m (29:27.63)

2.4x400m Mix Relay (Simon Gona Menza, Linet Fwamba Nanjala, Isaac Tongi Atima, Beryl Atieno Wamira) 3:38.05

4.Jacob Kipkemoi Kibet- Men’s 3000m sc (9:09.88)

Bronze

1.Sharon Bitok Jeptarus- Women’s 1500m (4:43.65)