Deaflympics: Sharon Bitok's Journey from Setback to Stardom
The two-week Deaflympics will take place from Saturday, November 15 to 26 in Tokyo, Japan.
Sharon Bitok's Early Struggles
Kenyan deaf athlete Sharon Bitok made her international debut at the 2021 World Deaf Athletics Championships in Lublin, Poland. She finished among the last competitors in both the women's 800 meters and 1500 meters, realizing she had more to achieve.
Redemption at the 24th Summer Deaflympics
Less than a year later, Bitok, a 29-year-old middle-distance runner from Iten in Eldoret, bounced back remarkably at the Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. She won three silver medals in the women’s 1500m, 4x400m relay, and 800m events.
Looking Ahead to Tokyo 2025
With the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics approaching, Bitok aims to go beyond silver.
“The first time I participated in athletics was in the Poland showpiece, I did not know how to compete, I was also a bit scared, I finished among the last.”
– Sharon Bitok
“However, when I proceeded for a second showdown at the Deaflympics in Brazil, I had great confidence, this saw me nestle three silvers.”
– Sharon Bitok
“This time around, as I head to Tokyo, my plan is to smash the silver linings, I want gold in the women’s 800m and 1500m.”
– Sharon Bitok
Bitok was honored as one of the 31 athletes recognized as national heroes during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20 at Ithokwe Stadium in Kitui.
Motivation
Bitok pursues gold not only for personal achievement but also to secure a better future for her family.
Author’s summary: Kenyan deaf runner Sharon Bitok transformed early defeats into triple Deaflympics silvers and now aims for gold in Tokyo 2025 to uplift her family’s life.