Wambui breaks world record as Kenya sweeps men’s 5,000m podium at Tokyo Deaflympics

Ian Wambui is carried shoulder high by his compatriots Nelson Rotich and James Musembi after winning gold in the 5, 000m in Tokyo on Monday/KSDF

Kenya’s dominance at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics reached new heights on Monday after Ian Wambui stormed to his second gold medal, smashing both the world and Games records in a masterful 5,000m performance.

Wambui broke the records that had stood for over a decade as he led a Kenyan clean sweep at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.

Wambui won in a time of 13:52.83. He broke the world and Deaflympics record of 14:02.90, which Symon Kibai set at the 2013 Games in Sofia, Bulgaria. James Musembi clinched the silver medal in 14:15.28, while Nelson Kipkorir claimed the bronze medal in 14:43.35.

Wambui now has two gold medals to his name from the Tokyo Games, having opened Kenya’s medal account when he won the men’s 10,000m on Monday last week.

Earlier at the same venue, Kenya’s Viola Jelimo clinched a bronze medal in the women’s category of the same race after finishing third in 17:26.83. The event was won by Portugal’s Mira Da Silva, who clocked 17:26.23, while Abubiakirova Luiia Emiyevna bagged silver in 17:26.78.

Kenya has now scooped 14 medals in the Games – five gold, five silver, and four bronze.

Wambui said he expected to break the world record in the men’s 5,000m since he had been training hard and his body was in good shape.

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

After going toe-to-toe with Musembi, Wambui surged ahead with three laps to go and never looked back. He dedicated the gold medal to his family and the team’s athletics coach, Samuel Kibet, saying they have supported him throughout.

Wambui is grateful for his fierce rivalry with Musembi, noting that it pumped him with adrenaline to cruise in the race for the records. “Yes, I thought Musembi was going to defeat me, so I kept him in check. I decided to burn him out on the third lap, after which I never looked back till I achieved my objective,” he explained.

Wambui is dedicating the records to his family, who have always supported his athletic ambitions. He is also crediting coach Kibet for the push to master long-distance running.

Any message for Cherono as he replaces him as the new Kenyan king of the Deaflympics? “Thanks, brother, you inspired me. I wanted to be as decorated as you; now I am. I will forever be grateful for your motivation,” Wambui said.

On winning the silver medal in the race, Musembi said: “It is so good, I feel excited. Ian is a very good athlete.” Competing in the Deaflympics for the first time, Musembi had announced his arrival at the big stage with a gold medal in the men’s 1,500m on Wednesday last week.

Kipkorir attributed his third-place finish in the men’s 5,000m to teamwork.

“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. We have been working together, particularly during the training. Yesterday (Sunday), we trained together, knowing that today we were going to have the finals. 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.”

Kenya’s hopes of winning another medal in the men’s 4x400m relays were dashed after Simon Menza, who was leading, fell to the ground after being tripped by a Japanese athlete. Kenya’s appeal did not go through on technical grounds that Menza failed to get up and finish the race. Isaac Erot, Team Kenya’s captain, Isaac Atima, and Edwin Kipngeno were the other Kenyan representatives in the race.

Kenya’s Medal Tally and Records on Day 10 of the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics
14: (5 gold, 5 silver, 4 bronze)

World Record
Ian Wambui Kahinga – Men’s 5,000m (13:52.83)

Deaflympics Record
Ian Wambui Kahinga – Men’s 5,000m (13:52.83)

Gold

1. Ian Wambui Kahinga – Men’s 10,000m (29:19.56)

2. James Mwanza Musembi – Men’s 1,500m (3:49.61)

3. Lucas Wanjiru Wandia – Men’s 3,000m steeplechase (9:06.95)

4. Elikana Kiprop Rono – Men’s 800m (1:53.02)

5. Ian Wambui Kahinga – Men’s 5,000m (13:52.83)

Silver

1. David Kiptum Kipkogei – Men’s 10,000m (29:27.63)

2. 4x400m Mixed Relay (Simon Gona Menza, Linet Fwamba Nanjala, Isaac Tongi Atima, Beryl Atieno Wamira) – 3:38.05

3. Elikana Kiprop Rono – Men’s 1,500m (3:50.27)

4. Jacob Kipkemoi Kibet – Men’s 3,000m steeplechase (9:09.88)

5. James Mwanza Musembi – Men’s 5,000m (14:15.28)

Bronze

1. Sharon Bitok Jeptarus – Women’s 1,500m (4:43.65)

2. Serah Wangari Kimani – Women’s 10,000m (37:24.37)

3. Nelson Rotich Kipkorir – Men’s 5,000m (14:43.35)

4. Viola Jelimo – Women’s 5,000m (17:26.83)