Deaflympics 2025: “I Will Return Better and Stronger” — Former Bronze Medalist Isaac Makokha Vows After Tokyo Exit
Sports Updated: 22 November 2025 12:43 EAT
Kenya’s golf star Isaac Makokha will have to wait a little longer to achieve his dream of Deaflympics gold after finishing 14th in the men’s individual event at the Tokyo 2025 Games.
Competing in his third consecutive Deaflympics, the 33-year-old golfer had hoped to upgrade the bronze medal he won in 2022 (Caxias do Sul, Brazil) to gold this time. But despite his strong preparation and recent impressive form — even outperforming able-bodied players in local tournaments — the Tokyo course had a different story for him.
Makokha posted 24-over-par 240, falling behind Germany’s John Allen, who successfully defended his title with a stunning 11-under-par 205, earning his third straight Deaflympics gold.
USA’s Kevin Hall took silver, while German Nico Guldan bagged bronze.
“I thought that we would play the same format we did in Turkey and Brazil. I wanted to win the gold medal in this Tokyo Deaflympics; I was very ready and well prepared for this competition, but things got twisted,” said a visibly disappointed Makokha.
“But I want to promise you that I must bring a Deaflympics gold medal to Kenya. I’m not discouraged, yes, I have lost today, but I will continue, and I want to make sure that I will get a gold medal,” he added.
Heading to Tokyo, Makokha carried confidence from his impressive form in several tournaments where he even outperformed able-bodied golfers.
The team’s coach, David Kihara, said his players were affected by the tough weather conditions in Tokyo.
“The course was in very good condition, and the weather was quite difficult. It was very cold in the morning and very windy also during the day, which is not the condition that the players are necessarily used to, but they were able to cope as best as they could,” said Kihara.
Meanwhile, Kenya will hope to bag more medals on Sunday when its athletes line up for various finals at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.
Kenya now shifts its attention to a crucial day of finals on Sunday at Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.
Among the athletes to watch:
Lucas Wandia — chasing a historic third straight gold in the 3000m steeplechase
Sharon Bitok — reigning silver medalist in the women’s 800m
Hillary Kipkorir & Stephen Okoth — men’s javelin finalists
Men’s & Women’s 4x100m relay teams — seeking qualification to the finals
Team Kenya continues to show resilience and ambition as Day 8 of the Tokyo Deaflympics unfolds.
Tags: Deaflympics 2025 Isaac Makokha Editor's Pick Matters Disability
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