Frontier Sports Desk
Tokyo, Japan.
Kenya’s athletics brilliance lit up the 25th Summer Deaflympics on Wednesday after 21-year-old James Mwanza Musembi from Machakos County stormed to a commanding victory in the men’s 1,500m final at the iconic Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium.
Musembi clocked an impressive 3:45.61, powering to Kenya’s second gold medal of the Games in a wire-to-wire triumph.
Teammate Elikana Kiprop Rono delivered a superb performance of his own, taking silver in 3:50.22 to secure a thrilling Kenyan 1–2 finish in the middle-distance showdown.
Kenya’s medal charge continued in the women’s 1,500m final, where Sharon Bitok Jeptarus fought her way to a deserved bronze in 4:43.65, further boosting the country’s tally.
The day’s exploits pushed Kenya’s overall medal count at Tokyo 2025 to seven — two gold, three silver, and two bronze — cementing the country’s place among the top athletics powerhouses at the Games.
There was, however, disappointment for reigning champion John Koech, who had been tipped to complete a Kenyan sweep. After staying in contention for much of the race, Koech faded in the closing stages and crossed the line fourth in 3:59.35.
A jubilant Musembi, competing in his maiden Deaflympics, expressed deep pride in his achievement.
Speaking through a sign-language interpreter, he said: “I am so happy about my victory today. This gold is for Kenya and for the entire deaf community.”
Kenya’s head coach Samuel Kibet praised the young star’s rise, noting that Musembi had been exceptional since the national trials.
“He has huge talent and discipline. If he stays focused and injury-free, he will dominate middle-distance running for the deaf for years to come,” Kibet said.
As the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics run through November 26, Kenya remains confident of adding more medals, with several key track finals still ahead.