Ian Wambui Kahinga has led his fellow countrymen, James Mwanza Musembi and Nelson Kipkorir Rotich, to a stunning sweep of the podium in the men’s 5,000 metres final at the 25th Summer Deaflympics on November 24, 2025.
The 24-year-old delivered an impressive performance, clocking 13:52.83 to break the previous Deaflympics and world record of 14:02.90 set by Symon Kibai in 2013.
The Nyahururu-based athlete, who had earlier clinched gold in the 10,000m, now has two titles in Tokyo and becomes the first Kenyan to hold both Deaflympics and world records in the 5,000m event.
Kenya Dominates the Global Stage
The event, held at the Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, brought together elite deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes from around the world from 15-26 November 2025, marking 101 years since the first Deaflympics were held in Paris.
Ian Wambui, speaking after the historic win, has credited his hard work and determination as the key to his success and gold medal in Tokyo.
“This is a dream come true. Breaking the world record was my ultimate goal. We worked as a team, and I’m proud that Kenya owns the entire podium.”
James Musembi, who hails from and trains in Machakos, claimed silver in 14:15.28, adding to his earlier gold in the 1,500m.
The 21-year-old’s sharp rise has been one of the major stories in the Tokyo edition, with most analysts tipping him as Kenya’s next big star in middle-distance running.
“I promised to bring home another medal, and I did. The competition was fierce, but teamwork made the difference.”
Nelson Kipkorir Rotich sealed the clean sweep, clinching the bronze in 14:43.35 and recording his personal best.
Rising Medal Tally
The clean sweep propelled Kenya’s medal tally to 14 – five gold, five silver, and four bronze – placing the country among the top performers in athletics at the Games.
Other standout victories include Lucas Wandia’s third consecutive gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase and Elikana Kiprop Rono’s successful defence of his 800m title.
Deaf athletics coach Samuel Kibet hailed the achievement as “a turning point for Kenya’s deaf sports,” noting that the team overcame funding challenges and extreme cold to deliver the historic results.
For Ian Wambui, the victory was personal as he settled for silver in the same event at the 2022 Games in Brazil, which motivated him to continue his quest to conquer the race and led to months of rigorous training, including cross-country races and marathon sessions, which have started to pay off.
“I wanted all three golds – 10,000m, 1,500m, and 5,000m. Two down, one to go.”
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The Ministry of Sports confirmed that medalists will receive cash rewards and business-class flights upon their return, as a gesture to motivate future talent.
Kenyan Athletes Aim to Continue Shining at Tokyo Deaflympics
After the historic 5,000m sweep, attention now shifts to the men’s 1,500m final on Wednesday, November 26, where Ian Wambui Kahinga will aim to get his third gold medal, facing stiff competition from teammate James Musembi, the 1,500m defending champion, and Elikana Kiprop Rono, who is eager to reclaim his title.
The same day, Kenya’s women will contest the 1,500m final, led by Sharon Bitok Jeptarus and Nancy Kendagor Jebichii, who seek to end Ethiopia’s dominance in the race.
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On November 27, David Kipkogei and Serah Wangari Kimani will represent Kenya in the men’s and women’s marathons, respectively.
On Saturday, November 29, team captain Isaac Atima will continue his search for gold in the men’s 400m hurdles.
Field events will feature Rael Wamira in the women’s long jump on Monday, December 1, and Hillary Kipkorir alongside Stephen Okoth in the men’s javelin on Sunday, November 30.
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