Wambui smashes World Record as Kenya sweeps Tokyo Deaflympics 5,000m podium

Kenya’s Ian Wambui lit up the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics with a historic performance, storming to gold in the men’s 5,000 metres and shattering both the Games’ and world records that had stood for more than a decade.

Wambui powered to victory in 13:52.83, lowering the long-standing mark of 14:02.90 set by Kenyan legend Symon Kibai in 2013.

His win led a Kenyan clean sweep, with James Musembi taking silver in 14:15.28, and Nelson Kipkorir securing bronze in 14:43.35 at the Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium.

Wambui, who now boasts two gold medals in Tokyo after also winning the 10,000m earlier in the week, said breaking the 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 I was given by the coaches, I listened to my body and I have done so well.”

He surged ahead with three laps to go and never looked back, later dedicating his medal to his family and coach Samuel Kibet.

Musembi, the silver medallist, praised his teammate, “It is so good, I feel excited. Ian is a very good athlete.”

Kipkorir credited teamwork for his podium finish, saying, “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 in training and that helped me come third.”

Earlier, Kenya’s Viola Jelimo claimed bronze in the women’s 5,000m, clocking 17:26.83 behind Portugal’s Mira da Silva and Russia’s Emilyevna Iuliia.

Kenya’s medal tally at the Tokyo Games now stands at 14 medals, five gold, five silver, and four bronze, solidifying the country’s dominance in Deaflympics athletics.

A dramatic moment denied Kenya another medal in the men’s 4x400m relay after Simon Menza, who was leading, fell following contact with a Japanese runner. A Kenyan appeal was dismissed on technical grounds.

The Tokyo Games have also confirmed Wambui as Kenya’s new superstar in Deaflympics long-distance running, the natural successor to Symon Kibai, who held the crown for more than a decade.