Kibai wins double in Eldoret as Games conclude

Triple deaflympics champion Simon Kibai clinched the 5000m and 10,000m categories of the Safaricom National Deaf Athletics Championships as curtains closed on the event on Wednesday.

Kibai, who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County rocked his opponents as his exhilarated family watched on from the stands in Eldoret. He clocked a winning 30:24.3 ahead of Peter Toroitich who came second in 30:46.2 and Daniel Kiptum finished third  in 31:16.1.

Kibai who is set to attend Deaflympic Games scheduled in July in Turkey will represent Kenya in 10,000m, 5000m and 15,000m received a glamorous cheering from the huge crowd that had gathered at the stadium.

David Kiptum finished fourth in 31:57.9 ahead of Martin Gachie (32:19.2) and David Njeru (33:04.4).

Kibai said he had to bring her daughter together to get some lessons from him saying he wants her to follow in his footsteps by running in future.

“I’m happy I have got a chance to represent the country in Turkey and I had to bring my daughter with me to emulate me in future,” Kibai said.

Linet Nanjala shone in 400m hurdles qualifying alone after finishing in 71:03 surpassing the B standard qualifying time of 71:50 as Saul Mwanthi wins in men’s category finishing in 58:2 followed by Dennis Kiprop (58.9) to qualify in the 59:40 B standard qualifying time.

In 10,000m women category, Juster Kwamesa won after settling for third in 5000m timing 42:34.3 to qualify as Roselida Okumu came second with a 43:52.9 qualifying time too.

Jentrix Dindi (45:05.2), Laureen Ngonga (46:03.0) and Carren Nasingo (46:51.6) followed respectively.