Kipkogei grabs Marathon Silver as Kenya Closes Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics with 15 Medals and Two World Records
Sports Updated: 26 November 2025 13:37 EAT
Kenya wrapped up its campaign at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics on a strong note, with seasoned athlete David Kiptum Kipkogei securing a silver medal in the men’s marathon on Tuesday.
The 46-year-old crossed the finish line on the Tokyo Expressway in 2:17:30, placing second behind Sweden’s Otto Kingstedt, who clocked 2:16:10 to claim gold. Colombia’s Jose Libardo earned bronze in 2:23:50.
In the women’s marathon, Kenya faced disappointment as Serah Kimani and Grancy Kandagor were unable to complete the race due to harsh weather conditions.
Kenya concluded the Games with an impressive 15 medals: five gold, six silver, and four bronze, alongside two world records, marking one of the country’s strongest performances on the global deaf sports stage.
A Challenging Marathon Finish
Hopes for a double marathon victory dimmed early as biting cold and morning drizzle made the race unusually demanding. Kenya initially looked set for a golden moment as Kipkogei and two-time Deaflympics marathon silver medalist Peter Toroitich ran shoulder-to-shoulder in the leading pack.
However, Toroitich pulled out at the 30km mark with a suspected hamstring injury, leaving Kipkogei to take up the chase alone. Though visibly strained, he battled on until the final 2km, when Kingstedt surged ahead decisively.
After the race, a grateful Kipkogei shared, “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.”
He added, “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.”
The marathon silver marked his second podium finish at the Games after placing second in the men’s 10,000m earlier in the week.
Team Kenya Applauded for a Strong Campaign
Despite missing a marathon gold, Kenya’s deaf athletics coach, Samuel Kibet, praised the team’s efforts, “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.”
Jaxon Indakwa, Director of Sports, also celebrated the athletes’ achievements, “So far we have 15 medals, including five gold, and that is not a mean feat. On top of that, we have a world record for the Deaflympics. This is something which is really exemplary, and we want to congratulate the 5,000m runner (Ian Wambui) for breaking the world and Deaflympic record. Even those who did not win a medal gave their best.”
He assured that the Ministry of Sports will continue investing in deaf athletes to strengthen their participation in future competitions.
Kenya’s Official Medal Tally – Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics
Total: 15 Medals
Gold – 5
Silver – 6
Bronze – 4
Tags: Deaflympics 2025 David kiptum Editor's Pick
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