Inspired by Michael Phelps, Kenya Swimming Captain Gichuhi Eager To Smash Records In Tokyo Deaflympics
Kenya Deaf Swim Team captain Francis Gichuhi takes a dive in training at the Kasarani Acquatics Stadium in Nairobi.PHOTO/ KFSD
The country will debut in the discipline at the quadrennial games with eight athletes who all have lofty dreams which is to bag gold medals in Japan.
NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya deaf swimming team captain Francis Gichuhi is raring to go ahead of the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics set for Japan on November 15-26, 2025.
The skipper believes he has done his assignments well before he splashes into the waters of Japan, to mine for the elusive gold in his categories.
Gichuhi is set to represent Kenya in men’s 50m backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle and the relays.
Other seven swimmers who will also ply trade for the country in Tokyo include Lilian Njeri, Faith Wayua, Jimale Suheib, Salim Mbaraka, Hamadi Ali Juma, Hassan Hamisi, and Yusuf Saddam.
“The aim is to make the country proud by returning with gold from Tokyo,” the 24-year-old Kenya Airways system administrator told Standard Sports.
The Machakos School for the Deaf alumnus punched his ticket to Tokyo at the national deaf championship cum trials, held at the United States International University- Africa (USIU-A) on August 26, where he also bagged two silver and a gold medal in his contests.
Francis Gichuhi swims during training at the Kasarni Acquatics Stadium in Nairobi. PHOTO/ KFSD
“I feel honored to qualify for the Deaflympics, it will be the first time to represent the country outside and I can’t wait. Right now, I’m working to improve on my personal best, endurance and mental toughness,” stated Gichuhi who ups his personal training at the USIU-A along Thika Road in Nairobi.
“I am really proud to be selected to represent the country in the Summer Games and to be named the team’s captain. It is something I have been dreaming of since 2019 when I joined high school.
“I am very eager for the forthcoming competition,” Gichuhi said after a training session with the national deaf team held at the Kasarani Aquatics Stadium in Nairobi at the weekend.
With Kenya aiming for a strong showing in Tokyo, the captain stressed on the importance of maintaining a rigorous training routine with more focus on speed and endurance.
“The team spirit is very strong and I believe we can achieve the best in the coming showdown in Tokyo,” he said.
Apart from good connections and making friends, swimming has made Gichuhi to embrace fitness and develop mental strength in ways he cannot tell
“I would like to be a swimming instructor when I’m done with the competition,” explained Gichuhi who also trains alongside hearing people to better his timings in the sport.
“My role model is USA former swimming world champion Michael Phelps, I would like to achieve those lofty dreams he nailed in his career,” Gichuhi said.
When asked for his advice to those who want to embrace swimming as a sport, Gichuhi said: ” Just do you. Believe disability is not inability, you can shine in everything you put your heart into.”
As a swimmer, communication has been one of the major drawbacks for Gichuhi and other deaf swimmers in the discipline.
Gichuhi became deaf at the age of four after being diagnosed with meningitis. Although he played several sports including football and basketball, he says he took swimming more seriously because of his passion for the game.The sport, he says, has been of great help and benefit to him.
The Kenya Deaf Swim Team bound for Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics. PHOTO/ KFSD
Kenya’s deaf swimming coach Irene Kerubo said the team will focus on improving on endurance and speed during the residential training camp that is expected to start on Sunday.
She expressed confidence that the team will bag medals in the middle distances categories.
“Kenyan deaf swimmers are not so exposed in the sport but since we started training, there have been improvements. For the middle distances which are 100m and 200m, I think we are going to get medals,” said the veteran swimming coach.
All the eight swimmers will compete in more than one category.
Kenya Deaf Swimming Federation Secretary General Charles Odira expressed his delight that swimmers will be part of the country’s contingent to the Games.
“I am very happy because this time we are going to Tokyo to represent Kenya and show that we are also capable of shining on the global stage. We promise to bring a medal from the games in Japan,” Odira said.
Francis Gichuhi in training at Kasarani. PHOTO/ KSFD
Kenya deaf swimming team for Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics
Francis Gichuhi – captain
Lilian Njeri
Faith Wayua
Jimale Suheib
Salim Mbaraka
Hamadi Ali Juma
Hassan Hamisi
Yusuf Saddam.
