The Kenya Deaflympics national team has got their mojo back as they reigned supreme by winning medal number eight for the country.
Ian Wambui managed to put up a show to win the country’s second gold medal in the men’s 1500 metres in the ongoing 24th Deaflympics Summer Games in Caxias do Sul, Brazil.
Wambui controlled the race from start to finish with his compatriot Elikana Rono and Brian Kosgei keeping tabs from a distance.
This gave a waiting nation expectation of a repeat of another Kenyan podium sweep in the races taking place in the Sesi Centro Esportivo Athletics Track.
However, the heat in the streets of Caxias do Sul took a toll on Rono and Kosgei who slowed as the race went by.
Wambui on the other hand showed his intent to scoop the second gold medal for his country and overcame stiff opposition from Spaniard Jaime Martinez to triumph in 3:55:54 seconds.
In the 5000 m men, Wambui will be seeking to make it medal number two whereas defending champion Simon Cherono Kibai has also set the same goal.
Kibai successfully defended his 10000 m title after producing an unmatched performance at the historic Sesi Centro Esportivo Athletics track.
He led his compatriots Peter Toroitich and David Kipkogei to a 1-2-3 podium finish.
Kenyan ambassador to Brazil Lemarron Kaanto led other fans in motivating the team.
The kenyan quartet of George Waweru, Linet Nanjala, Beryl Wamira and Isaac Atima produced a blistering performance that saw the country bag silver in the mixed 4X4 Relay.
Serah Kimani Wangari yesterday clocked 38.26.41 to bag silver in women’s 10,000 m while Graney Kandagor braved a bad fall to settle for the bronze medal.
However, the blistering pace was too hot for Winnie Bugosi as he dropped out of the high-octane race which was won by Lourdes Ponce Juarez of Mexico in 38.06.59.
Kenya now has nine medals.