Wambui Shatters World Record as Kenya Dominates Deaflympics 5,000m Podium in Tokyo

Sports Updated: 24 November 2025 16:31 EAT

Kenya’s dominance at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics reached new heights on Monday after Ian Wambui delivered a historic performance in the men’s 5,000m, smashing both the world and Deaflympics records that had stood for 12 years.

Competing at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium, Wambui stormed to victory in 13:52.83, erasing the previous mark of 14:02.90 set by Kenya’s Symon Kibai during the 2013 Sofia Games. His blistering pace led a stunning Kenyan sweep of the podium, with James Musembi taking silver in 14:15.28 and Nelson Kipkorir securing bronze in 14:43.35.

Earlier in the day, Viola Jelimo claimed bronze in the women’s 5,000m after clocking 17:26.83, with Portugal’s Mira Da Silva clinching gold and Russia’s Abubiakirova Luiia Emiyevna securing silver in a tight finish.

With these results, Kenya’s medal tally rose to 14 medals: five gold, five silver, and four bronze. For Wambui, this marked his second gold of the Tokyo Games, having opened Kenya’s medal count with victory in the men’s 10,000m last week.

Speaking after the race, Wambui revealed that breaking the world record was part of his plan.

“This is my first time breaking a world record, so I feel very proud,” he said. “I followed the instructions the coaches gave me, I listened to my body, and I have done so well.”

Wambui surged ahead decisively with three laps to go, ultimately dedicating his victory to his family and athletics coach Samuel Kibet for their unwavering support.
Silver medalist Musembi praised his teammate, saying, “It is so good, I feel excited. Ian is a very good athlete.”

Musembi is enjoying an impressive debut at the Deaflympics, having already won gold in the men’s 1,500m earlier in the competition.

Kipkorir, who clinched bronze, credited teamwork for his success, “I would like to thank God because during the semi-finals, I was a bit scared, but this time around in the final, I was on fire… This was my first time, and they were there to guide and lead me, and that is how I have managed to come third in the race.”

However, Kenya’s hopes for another medal in the men’s 4x400m were dashed after a dramatic moment in which team member Simon Menza fell when he was tripped by a Japanese athlete. Kenya appealed the incident, but the protest was dismissed after Menza did not get up to finish the race.

THE KAHINGA TAKEOVER – A NEW KING OF DEAFLYMPICS EMERGES

The Tokyo Games have also marked the rise of Wambui — also known as Ian Wambui Kahinga — as the successor to the legendary Simon Kibai Cherono, Kenya’s most decorated Deaflympian.

On Monday, Kahinga reaffirmed his status as Kenya’s new long-distance powerhouse as he dominated a field of 17, shattered global records, and cemented his place on the world stage.

A charged Komazawa Stadium erupted in cheers as Kahinga crossed the finish line in 13:52.83, finally lowering Kibai's long-standing record. The victory capped a Kenyan 1–2–3 finish, further solidifying the country’s dominance.

Kahinga attributed the triumph to relentless preparation, “I carved my body on the rugged terrains of Mai Mahiu… I’m so happy, I feel excited and motivated to blow up as many records as I can.”

He added that he had expected the victory due to the rigorous training at his high-altitude base. Jelimo’s earlier bronze in the women’s 5,000m added to Kenya’s celebrations on a day filled with national pride.

Kahinga also acknowledged the motivation he received from past near misses and the government’s reward for breaking a world record — a financial package totaling Sh11 million, alongside a business-class ticket home.

His fierce rivalry with Musembi added fuel to his performance, “Yes, I thought Musembi was going to defeat me… I decided to burn him out on the third lap, after which I never looked back.”

Kahinga dedicated the victory to his family and to coach Kibet, and offered heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing champion, “Thanks, brother, you inspired me… I will forever be grateful for your motivation.”

Kenya’s Medal Count- Day 10, Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics

Total: 14 medals. Gold – 5 Silver – 5 Bronze – 4