Double Deaflympic champion Simon Kibai and his compatriot Deaflympics double silver medalist Daniel Kiptum will be taking on each other during the Deaflympics national Deaf Track and Field championships on Tuesday.
The two day event at Kipchoge Keino stadium in Eldoret will be to selecet the athletes who will represent Kenya at the 23rd edition of Deaflympics Games to be staged on Turkey’s City, Samsun.
The duo won two gold and silver medals for the country during the 2013 Deaflympic Games held in Sofia, Gulgaria and will be using the event to defend their titles in the European nation.
The Iten based runner Kibai won the 10,000m and 5,000m while Kiptum was second in both races.
And the Samsun world show will kick off on July 18th to July 30th with Stephen Karinga, the deputy for sports saying the Eldoret event will be more competitive compared to the rest of championships because of the preparedness they have done.
“Kenya will be presenting a formidable team at the games due to better preparedness. As an official, am here to ensure that the selection is done well and get better standards,” said Karinga.
As at now, Kenya has qualified in three disciplines ahead of the Samsun showpiece.
“We are lucky that we have qualified in three disciplines that includes Track and field championships, Basketball men and women and golf,” added Karinga.
Kibai’s performance in Sofia was good for Kenya as the nation finished 9th overall with 17 medals- six gold, five silver and 6 bronze.
Juster Kwamesa who won the Meru half marathon last weekend will be leading women’s marathon in Samsun City after the officials selected the 42km runners.