Kenya recorded a historic sporting triumph on 24 November 2025 after sweeping all three podium positions in the men’s 5000 metres final at the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan. The emphatic victory reaffirmed the country’s long-standing dominance in long-distance running while setting a new global benchmark in deaf athletics.
Ian Wambui Kahinga powered to gold in a spectacular performance, clocking 13:52.83, a time that shattered both the Deaflympics record and the world deaf record, previously standing at 14:02.90. His commanding run placed him well ahead of compatriot James Mwanza Musembi, who secured the silver medal after posting an impressive 14:15.28.
Rounding off the sweep was Nelson Kipkorir Rotich, who claimed the bronze medal with a personal best time of 14:43.35, sealing Kenya’s dominance in the race and completing one of the nation’s most memorable performances on the international stage.
Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, led the tributes, describing the achievement as a “moment of national pride” and commending the athletes for lifting Kenya’s flag high on the global platform. The clean sweep is expected to inspire more investment and attention toward deaf sports in Kenya.
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The Tokyo Deaflympics performance marks one of the strongest outings by Team Kenya in recent years, reaffirming the country’s global leadership in middle- and long-distance events while highlighting the talent and determination of its deaf athletes.
