Members of Team Kenya for the 25th Deaflympics during a training session in Nairobi/HANDOUTKenyan deaf swimmer Francis Gichuhi is relishing the chance to represent his country at the 25th Deaflympics, set to take place from November 15 to 26 in Tokyo, Japan.
The 24-year-old, who will captain the Kenyan swimming team, described the call-up as a dream come true and a moment he has aspired to since high school.
“I am 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.
Gichuhi will compete in the 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke and 100m breaststroke, as part of a team of eight swimmers that includes Lilian Njeri, Faith Wayua, Jimale Suheib, Salim Mbaraka, Hamadi Ali Juma, Hassan Hamisi, and Yusuf Saddam.
The team earned their slots during trials held at United States International University–Africa on August 26 and is currently in training at the Kasarani Aquatics Stadium, ahead of their final residential camp beginning this Sunday.
With Kenya eyeing a strong showing in Tokyo, Gichuhi emphasised the importance of discipline and a rigorous training routine focused on speed and endurance.
“The team spirit is high, and I believe we can achieve the best. The areas that we are aiming to improve on are our personal best, skills, and endurance. I want to promise that we will give our all to achieve the best in Tokyo. We aim to get all the gold medals,” he said.
Gichuhi lost his hearing at the age of four after being diagnosed with meningitis. Though he played football and basketball growing up, it was swimming that truly captured his passion.
“I have gained a lot from swimming, both physically and mentally. Overall, my body fitness is so good,” he said. His role model is legendary American Olympian Michael Phelps.
Kenya Deaf Swimming Federation coach Irene Kerubo noted that while deaf swimmers in Kenya are still relatively new to competitive swimming, the athletes have shown strong improvement.
“Kenyan deaf swimmers are not so exposed in the sport, but since we started training, there have been improvements. For the middle distances, which are 100m and 200m, I think we are going to get medals,” said Kerubo.
All eight swimmers will compete in multiple events, with the coaching team focusing on boosting stamina and race technique in the lead-up to the Games.
Kenya Deaf Swimming Federation Secretary General Charles Odira expressed confidence in the team’s ability to deliver results in Japan.
“I am happy because this time we are going to Tokyo to represent Kenya and show that we are also capable of shining on the global stage. We promise to bring a medal from the games in Japan,” Odira said.
The 25th edition of the Summer Deaflympics will bring together top deaf athletes from around the world. For Team Kenya, it marks a major step forward in promoting inclusivity and elevating the country's presence in international deaf sports.
