Reigning Deaflympics 800m champion promises another gold for Kenya
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 06.11.25. | 15:11
Kenya will field three athletes in the men’s 800m, with Rono leading compatriots John Koech and Brian Kiptoo
Reigning Deaflympics 800m men’s champion Elikana Kiprop Rono has vowed to successfully defend his title at the 25th edition of the quadrennial multi-sport event, which begins on Saturday, 15 November, in Tokyo, Japan.
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The 25-year-old athlete, who idolises world and Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, says retaining the crown will affirm his dominance in the competition that will run for two weeks.
Rono clinched gold at the previous Deaflympics held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, in 2022, clocking 1:54.75 to secure glory for Kenya.
“I won’t let the mzungus (white athletes) take the gold medal. It belongs to the Kenyan people,” vowed Rono, adding that his body is in perfect shape after rigorous training with the rest of Team Kenya at their residential camp at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi.
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Kenya will field three athletes in the men’s 800m, with Rono leading compatriots John Koech and Brian Kiptoo.
The trio qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics by finishing in that order at the national trials held in September at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
Without revealing many details, Rono said the team has devised an elaborate plan to ensure Kenya dominates the race and sweeps the podium.
With Spaniard Jaime Martinez having pushed him hard in Brazil, Rono insists he is leaving nothing to chance this time. Martinez won the silver medal, finishing just 0.13 seconds behind Rono.
“I feel amazing to participate in the Deaflympics for the second time. I want to make it memorable by running strongly because last time, he (Martinez) was so close to beating me. This time, I won’t give him or any other athlete that chance,” he said confidently.
Rono began running while studying at Iten Primary School for the Deaf in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, having been introduced to the sport by his father, David Chengweno and uncle, Rejan Kimathi.
He recalls winning several races during his time at Kapsabet Secondary School for the Deaf, an achievement that motivated him to pursue athletics more seriously.
Admiring Wanyonyi for his consistency and work ethic, Rono says his greatest wish is to compete against him, believing that such an experience would make him a stronger athlete.
“Wanyonyi is my role model. I love the way he works hard and is so passionate about his craft, which has helped him win major races.
Competing against him would not only inspire me but also take my performance to the next level,” Rono said.
