Kenya’s multiple Paralympic champion Samwel Mushai faced disqualification despite finishing fourth in the men’s 5,000m T11 final at the Paris Paralympic Games, held at Stade de France on Friday. The event marked the beginning of the athletics program, but efforts by the Kenya National Paralympic Committee (KNPC) to overturn the decision proved unsuccessful, leaving Mushai and his supporters disappointed.
Mushai, guided by his running partner Jean Kipchumba, finished in fourth place. However, he was disqualified due to a lane infringement during the race, a decision that was upheld despite an appeal from the KNPC’s technical team led by President Ronald Milare. “There is little we could have done since there was jostling at the start of the race with adrenaline high,” Milare commented, expressing the team’s frustration at the outcome.
Mushai’s disqualification was a significant setback in what was his fourth appearance at the Paralympic Games. The veteran athlete has had a decorated career, including gold medals in the 1,500m T11 at the 2012 London Paralympics and the 5,000m T11 at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. He also claimed a bronze medal in the 1,500m T11 on his debut at the 2008 Beijing Games. The disqualification at Paris means Mushai missed the opportunity to add another accolade to his already impressive Paralympic record.
In the same event, Brazilian runner Agripino Dos Santos emerged victorious, securing his first Paralympic gold medal in the men’s 5,000m T11. Dos Santos, who is the 2024 World 5,000m silver medalist, won the race in style, setting a new World and Championship Record time of 14 minutes and 48.85 seconds. This was a significant achievement for Dos Santos, who broke the previous World Record of 14:53.97 set by his compatriot Yeltsin Jacques earlier this year when he won the World title in Kobe, Japan. Jacques, the defending champion from the 2021 Tokyo Games, could not retain his title as Dos Santos solidified Brazilian dominance in the event.
While Mushai’s disqualification cast a shadow over the start of Kenya’s athletics campaign, there were positive moments for other Kenyan athletes. Para rower Asiya Sururu and para taekwondo player Julieta Moipo both had successful starts to their Paralympic journeys in Paris. Sururu won her first-round contest, showcasing her determination and skill in the competitive field of para rowing. Similarly, Moipo excelled in para taekwondo, securing victory in her opening match, which sets her on a promising path for the remainder of the games.
Sururu’s success in rowing marks an important moment for Kenya’s Paralympic team, as rowing is a less traditional sport for the nation compared to athletics. Her performance not only boosts morale but also highlights the growing diversity of talent within Kenya’s Paralympic squad. Moipo’s achievements in taekwondo add to this narrative, showing that Kenyan athletes are making strides in various disciplines beyond the track.
Despite the mixed results, the performances of Mushai, Sururu, and Moipo underscore the resilience and spirit of Kenyan athletes at the Paralympic Games. Mushai’s disqualification, while disappointing, does not diminish his legacy as one of Kenya’s most successful Paralympians. Meanwhile, Sururu and Moipo’s victories bring hope and excitement for the future of Kenya’s Paralympic team as they continue to compete on the world stage.
As the Paris Paralympics continue, the focus will shift to how these athletes can build on their performances, learn from their experiences, and inspire future generations of Kenyan Paralympians. With resilience and a commitment to excellence, Kenya’s Paralympic team remains a symbol of national pride and perseverance, striving for success against the best in the world.
