Deaflympics: 2022 golf bronze medalist Makokha bows out, promises better in future
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 22.11.25. | 12:30
German John Allen successfully defended his title with an impressive 11 under par 205, securing his third consecutive gold medal
Isaac Makokha’s hunt for a historic gold medal in the Deaflympics will have to wait a little longer after he failed to achieve the feat at the ongoing Games in Tokyo, Japan.
Featuring in his third Deaflympics, the 33-year-old Makokha had targeted to upgrade to gold the bronze medal that he won in the men’s individual category at the previous edition in Caxias do Sul, Brazil in 2022.
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But it was not to be as the father of one carded 24 over par 240 to finish a distant 14th in the individual category.
German John Allen successfully defended his title with an impressive 11 under par 205, securing his third consecutive Deaflympics gold medal.
United States’ Kevin Hall claimed the silver medal while German Nico Guldan scooped the bronze medal.
Reflecting on his performance in Tokyo, Makokha attributed his poor show to being informed late that they would use the Strokeplay format rather than match play.
Nevertheless, he vowed not to give up on his dream of winning a gold medal in golf at the Deaflympics.
“I thought that we would play the same format we did in Turkey and Brazil. I wanted to win the gold medal in this Tokyo Deaflympics; I was very ready and well prepared for this competition but things got twisted,” said a visibly disappointed Makokha.
“But I want to promise you that I must bring a Deaflympics gold medal to Kenya. I’m not discouraged, yes, I have lost today but I will continue and I want to make sure that I will get a gold medal,” he added.
Heading to Tokyo, Makokha carried confidence from his impressive form in several tournaments where he even outperformed abled-bodied golfers.
The team’s coach David Kihara said his players were affected by the tough weather conditions in Tokyo.
“The course was in very good condition and the weather was quite difficult. It was very cold in the morning and very windy also during the day which is not the condition that the players are necessarily used to but they were able to cope as best as they can,” said Kihara.
