Tokyo Deaflympics: Francis Gichuhi to captain Kenya’s swimming team

After years of hard work and determination, Kenyan deaf swimmer Francis Gichuhi is on the brink of realizing his dream of representing the country in a major international championship.

The 24-year-old will captain the Kenya Deaf Swimming Team at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics scheduled for November 15 to 26 in Japan.

He will represent the country in the Games alongside seven other swimmers: Lilian Njeri, Faith Wayua, Jimale Suheib, Salim Mbaraka, Hamadi Ali Juma, Hassan Hamisi, and Yusuf Saddam.

Gichuhi says he can’t wait to dive into the water at the Tokyo Deaflympics, as he has harboured the lofty ambition since his days at Machakos School for the Deaf.

“I am really proud to be selected to represent the country in the Deaflympics and to be named the team’s captain. I have been dreaming of it since 2019 I joined high school. I am very eager for the competition,” he said after a training session at the Kasarani Aquatics Stadium.

Gichuhi will compete in 50-meter backstroke, 50-meter breaststroke, and 100-meter breaststroke.

He, along with seven other swimmers, earned the slots to the Deaflympics during the trials held at United States International University—Africa on August 26.

With Kenya aiming for a strong showing in Tokyo, the captain stressed the importance of maintaining a rigorous training routine that focuses more on speed and endurance.

“The team spirit is very strong and we can achieve the best. The areas that we are aiming to improve on are our personal best, skills, and endurance. I promise that we will give our best to achieve the best in Tokyo. We aim to get all the gold medals,” he asserted.

Gichuhi became deaf at the age of four after being diagnosed with meningitis. Although he played several sports, including football and basketball, he says he took swimming more seriously because of his passion.

“I have gained a lot from swimming, both physically and mentally. Overall, my body fitness is so good,” said the swimmer whose role model is American Olympian Michael Phelps.

Kenya’s deaf swimming coach, Irene Kerubo, said the team will focus on improving endurance and speed during the residential training camp, which is expected to start on Sunday.

She expressed confidence that the team will bag medals in the middle-distance categories.

 “Kenyan deaf swimmers are not so exposed to the sport, but there have been improvements since we started training. For the middle distances 100m and 200m, I think we will get medals,” said the veteran swimming coach.

All eight swimmers will compete in more than one category.

Kenya Deaf Swimming Federation Secretary General Charles Odira expressed his delight that swimmers will be part of the country’s contingent to the Games.

“I am very happy because this time we are going to Tokyo to represent Kenya and show that we can also shine on the global stage. We promise to bring a medal from the games in Japan,” Odira said.