Deaflympics 2025: Kipkogei Claims Marathon Silver as Kenya Concludes Tokyo Campaign With 15 Medals and Two Global Records

Sports Updated: 29 November 2025 12:37 EAT

Kenya’s seasoned deaf athlete David Kiptum Kipkogei wrapped up the nation’s Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics journey with a hard-fought silver medal in the men’s marathon on Tuesday.

The 46-year-old clocked 2:17:30 along the Tokyo Expressway, finishing behind Sweden’s Otto Kingstedt, who claimed gold in 2:16:10. Colombia’s Jose Libardo secured bronze in 2:23:50.

In the women’s race, Kenya was unfortunate to miss out on a podium finish after Serah Kimani and Grancy Kandagor failed to finish the marathon.
Kenya wrapped up the championship with an impressive 15 medals:

5 Gold, 6 Silver, and 4 Bronze, alongside a world record and a Deaflympics record set by standout athlete Ian Wambui.

A Tough Marathon Battle

Kenya had hoped to close the Games on a golden high, with strong prospects in both marathon events. However, challenging weather conditions, biting cold, and steady morning showers made the race especially demanding.

For a significant stretch, Kipkogei and two-time Deaflympics marathon silver medalist Peter Toroitich pushed at the front, raising Kenya’s hopes. But Toroitich was forced to withdraw at the 30km mark due to a suspected hamstring injury.

Left to fend for himself at the front, Kipkogei pushed on despite visible discomfort. With just two kilometers remaining, Kingstedt surged ahead decisively to claim victory.
‘I thank God for this medal’ — Kipkogei

Despite missing out on gold, Kipkogei expressed gratitude and pride after securing his second silver medal of the Games.

“I would like to thank God because this is my first time participating in the marathon at the Deaflympics and I have won a silver medal,”

“My goal was to get a gold medal, but I experienced some leg cramps. I still pushed myself, and I’m happy that I got a silver.”

Kipkogei had earlier finished second in the men’s 10,000m.

Kenya’s Deaf athletics coach, Samuel Kibet, praised the team’s resilience and saw the marathon silver as a positive comeback.

“Because we missed the marathon in the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil, I’m seeing the silver we have won as a good comeback and we want to pray that in the next Deaflympics, we are going to do much better.”

Director of Sports Jaxon Indakwa commended Team Kenya for their strong showing, “So far we have 15 medals including five gold and that is not a mean feat… Even those who did not win a medal they gave their best.” He reiterated the Ministry of Sports’ commitment to supporting deaf athletes in future competitions.

KENYA’S FINAL MEDAL TALLY – TOKYO 2025 DEAFYMPICS

Total: 15 Medals
5 Gold
6 Silver
4 Bronze

World & Deaflympics Record
Ian Wambui Kahinga – Men’s 5000m (13:52.83)