Kenya’s charge for more medals at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics intensified on Friday after seven athletes stormed into the finals across multiple track and field events. Leading the pack were newly crowned gold medalists Ian Wambui Kahinga and James Mwanza Musembi, who continued their dominant form on the global stage.
Also advancing were Nelson Kipkorir, Isaac Atima, Rael Wamira, Hillary Kipkorir, and Stephen Okoth, boosting Kenya’s hopes of expanding its medal haul.
Kahinga and Musembi Advance in 5,000m Showdown
As expected, men’s 10,000m champion Kahinga and 1,500m champion Musembi powered into the finals of the men’s 5,000m during Friday’s events at the Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium.
Kahinga, who opened Kenya’s medal tally earlier in the week with a commanding win in the 10,000m (29:19.63), once again delivered a strong performance. Musembi, fresh from his gold-winning 1,500m run on Wednesday (3:49.83), matched him stride for stride.
The two Kenyan stars dominated heat two, with Kahinga finishing first in 14:59.65 and Musembi close behind in 14:59.99.
In heat one, Nelson Kipkorir Rotich also secured a place in the final, finishing second in 15:28.19, just behind Iraq’s Aws Mohammed (15:27.94).
Kahinga, who won silver in this event at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, said he remains laser-focused on winning gold and chasing the world record.
“Team Kenya is one. James and I have a strategy to help each other get the best time. My goal is to break the world record,” he said.
Musembi added confidently:
“We will run again and the plan is to kill them all. I will get a medal.”
The men’s 5,000m final is scheduled for Monday at 3:10pm (9:10am Kenyan time).
Atima, Wamira and Field Athletes Progress
Team Kenya captain Isaac Atima advanced to the final of the men’s 400m hurdles, finishing second in his heat with 54.91, behind the United States’ Jarvis Jermaine (54.67). The final will be held on Saturday at 2:30pm local time (8:30am Kenya time).
Atima, who helped Kenya win bronze in the 4×400m mixed relay, expressed relief and excitement.
“Previously, these athletes beat me, so I had a lot of fear. I’m very excited to have beaten them today.”
In the field events, Rael Wamira reached the women’s long jump final after registering a personal best of 5.03m. She competes in the final on Monday.
“This is my first time reaching the long jump final. I believe I can win a medal and hit at least six meters,” she said.
Kenya also celebrated success in javelin as Hillary Kipkorir (50.58m) and Stephen Okoth (49.66m) qualified for Sunday’s final.
Coach Confident of More Medals
Kenya’s coach Samuel Kibet praised the athletes for their outstanding performance throughout the day.
“Our players have done well—from javelin to the track events. Tomorrow we expect those in the finals to deliver strong performances. Their impressive showing gives us hope of doubling our medal tally.”
Kenya has already secured seven medals at the Tokyo Deaflympics: two gold, three silver, and two bronze.