Kenya’s Sharon Bitok Jeptarus scooped bronze medal in the women’s 1,500m at the ongoing Deaflympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Bitok clocked 4:43.65 for the title and with the results, Kenya has now bagged seven medals in the Games – two gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze medals.
Kenya’s Deaf Athletics coach Samuel Kibet heaped praise on Musembi, tipping him to dominate the middle-distance running in future deaf competitions.
“Since our national trials, I observed him and realise that he has a huge potential. We have great hopes in him and if all goes well, the deaf community will have a champion to watch.,” said Kibet.
The women’s event was won by Jullia Emilyevna, who clocked 4:39.65 ahead of Portuguese Mira Da Silva M, who finished the race in 4:40.60.
Viola Jelimo and Rebecca Matiko who were Kenya’s other representatives in the race finished ninth and 14th in 4:55.52 and 5:08.35 respectively.
To secure the bronze medal, Bitok was forced to dig in the final stages of the race. She headed into the race eying her first gold medal in her second Deaflympics appearance.
At the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul in Brazil, Bitok won an impressive triple silver medal – in the 1,500m, 4x400m relay and 800m women. In Tokyo, she will also be competing in the women’s 800m.