By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, November 22, 2025 - Isaac Makokha, a former Deaflympics golf bronze medalist, failed to win a medal at this year’s Games in Tokyo, Japan. Makokha, who was hoping to improve on his previous bronze by bringing home gold, ended up finishing 14th after scoring 24 over par 240.
German golfer John Allen defended his gold medal with an impressive score of 11 under par 205, while Kevin Hall from the United States took silver and fellow German Nico Guldan claimed bronze.
Makokha explained that he was disappointed because he found out late that the tournament would use the stroke-play format instead of match play, which affected his preparation.
Despite this setback, he promised not to give up and said he is determined to win a gold medal for Kenya in the future. He assured Kenyans that he will keep working hard and return even stronger.
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Makokha entered the Tokyo Games in high spirits after performing well in recent local tournaments against both deaf and able-bodied golfers. His coach, David Kihara, said the cold and windy Tokyo weather made the competition tough for the Kenyan players, but they did their best.
Kenya still has hopes for medals as several athletes prepare to compete in finals at the Komazawa Olympic Park Gymnasium. Lucas Wandia will try to win his third gold in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, having already secured silver in 2013 and gold in 2017 and 2022.
He will compete against fellow Kenyans Jacob Kibet and Joseph Gitau. Sharon Bitok will represent Kenya in the women’s 800m final, while Hillary Kipkorir and Stephen Okoth will take part in the men’s javelin final.
Kenya also aims to reach the finals in both the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays. The men’s team includes Walter Malenje, David Nyamu, Simon Gona, Elijah Wekesa, and Paul Wangala. The women’s team features Pamela Atieno, Linet Nanjala, Faith Mukami, Anzazi Chaka, Bery Atieno, and Rael Achieng.
