Kenya’s Ian Wambui Kahinga led the then reigning champion David Kipkogei to win gold and silver in the men’s 10,000m at the ongoing Dealympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
The 24 year old Kahinga won the men’s 10,000m gold medal today after storming to victory in 29:19.56 at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.
He led a 1-2 podium finish for Kenya with Kipkogei claiming the silver medal in 29:27.63 while Chinese Xu Kuantian won the bronze medal after finishing third in 30:04.83.
Wambui said though he was confident of winning a medal in the race, he was not entirely sure that he would clinch the gold medal.
He noted that the race felt relatively easy for him and he hoped to break the record held by three-time champion Symon Kibai, who did not make the squad for this edition of the Games.
“I enjoyed my run. It was just like a normal day. I thank God for the win and I hope that as Team Kenya, we will continue to do better in other races that are yet to come,” said Wambui.
The victory, he said, has motivated him to chase for a three-peat in the competition. Apart from seeking to defend his title in the 1,500m men, Wambui will also be out to upgrade the men’s 5000m silver he won at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil to gold.
“I’m also gunning for the gold medal in the 1,500m and 5, 000m. I’m strong and motivated,” added Wambui.
Kipkogei, who won a gold medal in the race in the 2009 edition held in Taipei, Taiwan said he was delighted to win a silver medal. He had clinched a bronze medal at the previous Games in Brazil.
“I have done my best and I’m very happy about it. I know that I am a bit aged but I’m happy I can compete in these races and win medals,” said the 46-year-old Kipkogei as he ruled out any possibility of retiring soon. He shifts his attention to the men’s marathon where he has set his sights on clinching a gold medal.