Kenya’s Serah Wangari Claims Bronze as Nation Achieves Fourth Medal at Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics

November, 18 2025 - Kenya continued its impressive run at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics after Serah Kimani Wangari secured the nation’s fourth medal, a bronze, in the women's 10,000 meters, hosted at Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium.

Wangari, initially placed fifth, was bumped up to bronze after two runners ahead of her were disqualified due to improper footwear. Her final time was 37:24.37.

The gold went to Mexican athlete Lourdes Juarez, who clocked 36:17.07, while Finland’s Sara-Elise Ruokonen picked up silver with 37:13.45.

“This race was really challenging because the competition was tough. I was a bit disappointed coming in fifth, but it was a shock—and a thrill—when I learned I was actually the bronze medal winner. 

Everything happens for a reason, and I am truly happy to receive this award,” Wangari said. She had previously clinched silver in the same event at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil.

Kenya’s other contender, Grancy Kandagor, finished in tenth place with 45:31.06 among the 17 athletes who participated. Wangari’s result brought Kenya’s medal count at the games to four, one gold, two silvers, and one bronze.

The team got off to a strong start on Monday, when Ian Wambui won gold in the men’s 10,000m, with David Kipkogei earning silver in the same race. In the 4x400m mixed relay team, Isaac Atima, Linet Fwamba, Simon Menza, and Beryl Wamira added another silver to the tally.