Ian Wambui celebrates after clinching gold in the men's 10, 000m/KSFD

Double Deaflympic champion Ian Wambui Kahinga and World Para Athletics T13 silver medallist Sheila Wanyonyi lead the pack as the standout contenders for top honours among athletes with disabilities at the 2025 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (SOYA) scheduled for April 10 at Uhuru Gardens.

Wambui, fresh from a historic double at the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics, is widely tipped as the man to beat in the Sportsman with Disability category.

The distance ace delivered a masterclass, clinching gold in both the 10,000m and 5,000m while further obliterating the long-standing 5,000m world record after posting 13:52.83.

Read Also
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football
Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby

Wambui's mark eclipsed the previous world record of 14:02.90 set by Kenyan legend Symon Kibai in 2013. He further orchestrated a Kenyan podium sweep with James Musembi taking silver in 14:15.28 while Nelson Kipkorir secured bronze in 14:43.35. In the 10,000m, he claimed gold in 29:19.56 as compatriot David Kipkogei settled for silver in 29:27.63.

At the SOYA gala, Wambui will square off against a strong field that includes Elkana Rono, Lucas Wandia, James Musembi and powerlifting sensation Joash Otiende. Rono showcased his pedigree by defending his 800m Deaflympics crown, timing 1:53.02, before settling for silver in the 1,500m after timing 3:50.22, behind compatriot James Musembi (3:45.61).

Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

Wandia, a seasoned campaigner, completed a remarkable hat-trick in the 3,000m steeplechase, leading a Kenyan 1-2 finish at the Tokyo Deaflympics. 

Wandia, 36, who had claimed previous victories in Turkey 2017 and Brazil 2021, timed 9:06.95 in Tokyo to seal his hat-trick. Musembi, one of the revelations of the season, announced his arrival on the big stage by storming to 1,500m gold in 3:45.61 at the Tokyo Deaflympics, while Otiende flexed his strength on the global platform, lifting his way to gold at the World Ability Games with a 114kg effort.

Wambui's mark eclipsed the previous world record of 14:02.90 set by Kenyan legend Symon Kibai in 2013.