Kenya has selected a strong squad of 63 athletes who will represent the country at the forthcoming 25th Summer Deaflympics slated for Tokyo, Japan on November 15-26, 2025.
The final selection was done on Friday after an intensive two day National Trials that involved athletes from across the country.
In Tokyo, the country will be seeking to surpass the splendid outing in the 24th edition of the Summer Games held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil in 2022, where Kenya emerged top in Africa after bagging a total of 24 medals of which 5 were gold, 7 were silver and 12 were bronze.
Meanwhile, Deaflympics silver medalist Serah Wangari Kimani is among the elated athletes who will fly the Kenyan flag high in Tokyo.
This is after she cruised to the tape in 41:04.5 to win the women’s 10000m category in the national trials held at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The victory saw the mother of two punch her ticket to the 25th Summer Deaflympics in style.
Wangari was closely followed by Deaflympics double bronze medalist Nancy Kendagor Jebichii (42:48.8) and Juster Kwamesa (44:33.6) who finished second and third in that order.
“I’m grateful for this victory, I’m happy to qualify for my second Deaflympics championship after my exciting exploits in Brazil three years ago,” Wangari who trains on the rugged terrains of Nyandarua County underlined.
” I trained for this race for six months, because I did not want to miss the Deaflympics slot. I’m so happy the hard work finally paid off,” said Wangari who also finished second in the star-studded women’s 5000m category.
“I was fourth in the 5000m in Brazil, but this time I’m aiming to reach the medal bracket. As for the 10000m, my focus is to convert the silver won in Brazil into gold in Tokyo, so I’m practicing and praying hard that all goes well, ” Wangari highlighted.
While preparing for the trials in Nyandarua, the 36-year-old self-motivated Wangari upped her training alone as she is yet to get a tactician to take her through the paces.
“Sometimes I go online to get my tactics and techniques there, sometimes I train with my hearing friends who advise me on areas to improve. I mostly worked on speed and endurance before I came for these trials, the training was very intense but I’m grateful that I don’t have any injury. I’m praying that the smooth run continues all through up to Tokyo.”
Wangari says her first Deaflympics outing in Brazil was such a good eye opener as it exposed her to the thrilling global stage.
“I was blank when I travelled to Brazil despite coming home with glittering silver, now, as I head to Tokyo, I already know what to do. Hopefully my plans turn into the coveted golden jackpot I so much yearn for in my life.”
The 25 Summer Deaflympics set for Tokyo, Japan this season is so special in that it will be used to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Games.
PROFILE
Name: Serah Wangari Kimani
D.O.B: October 30, 1989
Gender: Female
Sport: Athletics
2022: Silver, Women’s 10000m,
24th Summer Deaflympics in Caxias Do Sul, Brazil.
Women’s 10000m Deaflympics National Trials selected results
1.Serah Wangari 41:04.5
2.Grancy Kendagor Jebichii 42:48.8
3.Juster Kwamesa 44:33.6
4.Prisca Naibin 47:04.9
5.Nancy Achieng 51:03.10