Kenya’s Ian Wambui on Monday stole the show at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics by winning the gold medal in the men’s 5,000m, and shattering both the Games’ and world record which have stood for over a decade.
It was a clean podium sweep by Kenya in the race held at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium, with Wambui leading in a remarkable time of 13:52.83. He broke the world and Deaflympics record of 14:02.90 which was set by Symon Kibai at the 2013 games in Sofia, Bulgaria.
James Musembi clinched the silver medal in 14:15.28 while Nelson Kipkorir claimed the bronze medal in 14:43. 35.
Earlier at the same venue, Kenya’s Viola Jelimo secured bronze medal in the women’s category of the same race after finishing third in 17:26.83.
The event was won by Portugal’s Mira Da Silva.M who clocked 17:26.23 while Abubiakirova Luiia Emiyevna bagged silver in 17:26.78.
Kenya has now scooped 14 medals in the games – five gold, five silver and four bronze. Wambui has two gold medals to his name from the Tokyo games as he opened Kenya’s medal account when he won the men’s 10000m on Monday last week.
He said he expected to break the world record in the men’s 5,000m since he has been training hard and his body was in good shape.
“This is my first time breaking a world record, so I feel very proud,” said Wambui after the race. “I followed the instructions I was given by the coaches, I listened to my body and I have done so well,” he added.
After going toe-to-toe with Musembi, Wambui surged ahead with three laps to go, and he never looked back. He dedicated the gold medal to his family and the team’s athletics coach Samuel Kibet saying they have supported him throughout.
On winning the silver medal in the race, Musembi said: “It is so good, I feel excited. Ian is a very good athlete.”
Competing in the Deaflympics for the first time, Musembi had announced his arrival at the big stage with a gold medal in the men’s 1,500m on Wednesday last week.
Kipkorir attributed his third-place finish in the men’s 5,000m to team work. “I would like to thank God because during the semi-finals, I was a bit scared but this time around in the final, I was on fire. We have been working together, particularly during the training. Yesterday (Sunday), we trained together knowing that today we were going to have the finals. This was my first time and they were there to guide and lead me and that is how I have managed to come third in the race.”
Kenya’s hopes of winning another medal in the men’s 4x400m relays were dashed after Simon Menza who was leading fell to the ground after being stripped by a Japanese athlete. Kenya’s appeal did not go through on technical grounds that Menza failed to get up and finish the race.
Isaac Erot, Team Kenya’s captain Isaac Atima and Edwin Kipngeno were the other Kenyan representatives in the race.
Kenya’s Medal Tally and Records on Day 10 of the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics
14: (5 gold, 5 silvers, 4 bronze)
World Record
Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 5000m (13:52.83)
Deaflympics Record
Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 5000m (13:52.83)
Gold
1.Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 10000m (29:19.56)
2.James Mwanza Musembi- Men’s 1500m (3:49.61)
3.Lucas Wanjiru Wandia- Men’s 3000m sc (9:06.95)
4.Elikana Kiprop Rono- Men’s 800m (1:53.02)
5.Ian Wambui Kahinga- Men’s 5000m (13:52.83)
Silver
1.David Kiptum Kipkogei – Men’s 10000m (29:27.63)
2.4x400m Mix Relay (Simon Gona Menza, Linet Fwamba Nanjala, Isaac Tongi Atima, Beryl Atieno Wamira) 3:38.05
3.Elikana Kiprop Rono- Men’s 1500m (3:50.27)
4.Jacob Kipkemoi Kibet- Men’s 3000m sc (9:09.88)
5.James Mwanza Musembi- Men’s 5000m (14:15.28)
Bronze
1.Sharon Bitok Jeptarus- Women’s 1500m (4:43.65)
2.Serah Wangari Kimani- Women’s 10000m (37:24.37)
3.Nelson Rotich Kipkorir- Men’s 5000m (14:43.35)
4.Viola Jelimo- Women’s 5000m (17:26.83)
