Francis Gichuhi Named Captain of Kenya Deaf Swimming Team for Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics
Sports Updated: 14 October 2025 14:46 EAT
Kenyan Deaf swimmer Francis Gichuhi has been named captain of the Kenya Deaf Swimming Team for the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, scheduled for November 15 to 26 in Japan.
Gichuhi’s appointment comes after years of relentless dedication and hard work, finally putting him on the brink of representing the nation at a major international championship.
He will represent the country in the Games alongside seven other swimmers, namely Lilian Njeri, Faith Wayua, Jimale Suheib, Salim Mbaraka, Hamadi Ali Juma, Hassan Hamisi, and Yusuf Saddam.
Gichuhi says he can’t wait to dive into the water at the Tokyo Deaflympics, as he has harbored the lofty ambition since his days at Machakos School for the Deaf.
“I am really proud to be selected to represent the country in the Deaflympics and to be named the team’s captain. It is something I have been dreaming of since 2019, when I joined high school. I am very eager for the competition,” he said after a training session at the Kasarani Aquatics Stadium.
Gichuhi will compete in the 50-meter backstroke, 50-meter breaststroke, and 100-meter breaststroke.
He, alongside the seven other swimmers, earned the slots to the Deaflympics during the trials held at United States International University - Africa on August 26.
With Kenya aiming for a strong showing in Tokyo, the captain stressed the importance of maintaining a rigorous training routine with more focus on speed and endurance.
“The team spirit is very strong, and I believe we can achieve the best. The areas that we are aiming to improve on are our personal best, skill, and endurance. I want to promise that we will give our all to achieve the best in Tokyo. Our aim is to get all the gold medals,” he asserted.
Gichuhi became Deaf at the age of four after being diagnosed with meningitis. Although he played several sports, including football and basketball, he says he took swimming more seriously because of his passion for the game.
The sport, he says, has been of great benefit to him.
“I have gained a lot from swimming, both physically and mentally. Overall, my body fitness is so good,” said the swimmer whose role model is American Olympian Michael Phelps.
Tags: Deaflympics Editor's Pick The Deaf Deaf Community
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