Decathlete Rawino targets podium finish at Tokyo Deaflympics

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Kenya’s decathlete Dickson Rawino is targeting a podium finish at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, set for November 15–26 in Japan.

The 35-year-old from Gem in Siaya County has intensified his training and remains confident of improving on his performance at the last Games.

“I’m feeling good to represent Kenya again in the Deaflympics. My goal is to finish in position one, two or three,” said Rawino.

He will be Kenya’s sole representative in decathlon, which features the 100m, 110m hurdles, 1500m, 400m, pole vault, high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin and discus.

Rawino finished sixth at the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, a result that fuels his belief that he can reach the podium this time.

“When we went to Brazil, I was so close to winning a medal. After my return, I decided that I would continue to work hard,” said the Maseno School for the Deaf alumnus.

“I have now trained well, rectified the mistakes, and I am confident of making it to the podium.”

He is fine-tuning his form at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani, where Team Kenya has pitched camp. He earneda qualification after winning the national trials, which attracted five decathletes.

Rawino believes training regularly with hearing athletes has strengthened his performance.

“Practising with the hearing group has elevated my performance. I have built the endurance and mental toughness needed for victory,” said the father of two.

He has faced challenges, including a lack of proper training equipment.

“Before, it was a big challenge to compete in all the events. For example, you need a proper mattress for the pole vault and hurdles for 110m hurdles. Athletics Kenya had all the equipment, so I really benefited from training and competing with them,” he said.

Rawino follows in the footsteps of his father, Andrew Rawino, a former sprinter who, unfortunately, never represented the country.

Team Kenya coach Samuel Kibet praised Rawino’s progress.

“He is doing very well, and every day he has been improving. We believe he is a man to watch this time,” Kibet said. “It is not simple because of the different events, but we are focused on medals. We want every athlete to come back home with something.”