Tokyo Deaflympics: Decathlete Dickson Rawino Poised to Lift Kenya’s Medal Hopes

Sports Updated: 05 November 2025 12:54 EAT

Kenyan decathlete Dickson Rawino is gearing up for an impressive Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics outing. He is buoyed by his improved form, intensive training, and a strong showing at the last Games.

Rawino, 35, will be Kenya’s only representative in the decathlon, scheduled for November 15–26 in Japan. Over two days, he will compete in 10 events: 100m, 110m hurdles, 1500m, 400m, pole vault, high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin, and discus.

The Gem–Siaya County native is determined to deliver a podium finish, drawing inspiration from his impressive sixth-place finish at the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.

“I’m feeling good to again represent Kenya in the Deaflympics, and my goal is to finish in position one, two, or three," said Rawino.

Following the near-podium performance in Brazil, Rawino committed to sharpening his skills. He says the journey required addressing technical gaps and strengthening his physical and mental readiness.

Now training in camp with Team Kenya at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Rawino believes he is in peak shape. He booked his Tokyo ticket after finishing first during the national trials, which brought together five local decathletes.

A former student of Maseno School for the Deaf, Rawino attributes his growth to consistently training alongside hearing athletes—an opportunity that built his endurance, technical ability, and confidence.

“Training with hearing athletes has strengthened my mental toughness. The journey has been tough, especially with limited equipment, but Athletics Kenya helped a lot,” said the father of two.

His passion for the sport runs in the family—his father, Andrew Rawino, was a sprinter who never competed internationally.

Team Kenya’s athletics coach, Samuel Kibet, admits preparing a multi-event athlete is demanding, but is impressed by Rawino’s progress since joining the training camp.

“He has shown tremendous improvement. By the time we travel to Tokyo, he will be ready to face the world’s best. He’s definitely one to watch,” Kibet said.

Kibet says their primary focus is to ensure every Kenyan athlete returns home with a medal, and Rawino stands out as a strong contender.