Deaflympics 800m champion Elikana Rono during training at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi /KSFDDeaflympics 800 metres men’s champion Elikana Rono is ready to defend his title at the 25th edition of the Games in Tokyo, Japan, from November 15 to 26.
Rono, 25, who looks up to world and Olympic champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, has exuded confidence in retaining his title in Tokyo.
Rono bagged the gold medal in the previous Deaflympics held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, in 2022, clocking 1:54.75.
He will lead the hunt for gold in the two-lap event, accompanied by compatriots Brian Kiptoo and John Koech.
“I won’t let my competitors take the gold medal. It belongs to the Kenyan people,” said a confident Rono.
Speaking at Team Kenya's residential camp at Moi Stadium, Kasarani, Rono said he is in perfect shape ahead of the two-week event.
Rono, Koech, and Kiptoo qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics by claiming the podium places in that order at the national trials held in September at the Ulinzi Sports complex in Nairobi.
Rono said they have come up with an elaborate plan aimed at ensuring that Kenya dominates the race to sweep the podium.
With Spaniard Jaime Martinez having given him a run for his money in Brazil, Rono has planned to leave nothing to chance this time around. Martinez won the silver medal after crossing the line just 13 milliseconds behind Rono.
“I feel amazing to participate in the Deaflympics for the second time. I want to make it memorable by running strongly because last time, he (Martinez) was so close to beating me. This time, I won’t give him or any other athlete that chance,” he swore.
Rono says he began running while studying at Iten Primary School for the Deaf in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, having been introduced into the sport by his father, David Chengweno, and uncle, Rejan Kimathi.
He recalls winning several races during his time at Kapsabet Secondary School for the Deaf – an achievement that motivated him to pursue a career in athletics.
Rono says he admires Wanyonyi for his consistently impressive performance over the distance. He says his greatest wish is to compete against his role model, believing that such an opportunity would go a long way in making him a stronger athlete.
“Wanyonyi is my role model. I love the way he works hard and is so passionate about his craft, which has seen him win major races. Competing against him will not only inspire me, but will take my game to the next level,” Rono concluded.
