Premium
Seasoned Mushai, Chelangat shine in World Para-Athletics Grand Prix
Samwel Mushai (right) and his guide Jean Kipchumba pose for photos after winning the men's 1,500m T11 at the World Para-Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai on February 12, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Mushai, a two-time Paralympic champion (Rio 2016 - 5,000m, London 2012 - 1,500m), clocked 4:05.64 to dominate the men’s T11/12 final, beating Portugal’s Isaias Gomes (4:07.51) and fellow Kenyan John Lokedi (T12), who took bronze in 4:08.69. Another Kenyan, Jackson Kpar (T11), finished fourth in 4:10.06.
Former Paralympic champions Samwel Mushai and Nancy Chelangat of Kenya made strong comebacks at the ongoing World Para-Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, clinching gold in the men’s and women’s T11 1,500m finals on Tuesday.
Their victories brought Kenya’s total medal tally to six—three gold and three bronze. Their wins followed Stency Neema’s gold medal triumph in the women’s 200m T47 on Monday, marking an impressive start to the competition for Kenya. Neema, a visually impaired teacher at Lang’ata Road Primary School, also secured a bronze medal in the men’s T11/12/20 shot put.
Mushai, a two-time Paralympic champion (Rio 2016 - 5,000m, London 2012 - 1,500m), clocked 4:05.64 to dominate the men’s T11/12 final, beating Portugal’s Isaias Gomes (4:07.51) and fellow Kenyan John Lokedi (T12), who took bronze in 4:08.69. Another Kenyan, Jackson Kpar (T11), finished fourth in 4:10.06.
Chelangat, the 2016 Rio Paralympics 1,500m T11 champion and 2013 world 1,500m T11 champion, posted 5:01.78 to secure victory in the women’s 1,500m T11 final.
The wins were a redemption moment for Mushai and Chelangat, who had disappointing outings at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Mushai was disqualified for a lane infringement in the men’s T11 5,000m final, while Chelangat finished fifth in the women’s 1,500m T11 final.
Elijah Makini poses with his bronze medal after finishing third in men's 100m T45/46 at the World Para-Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai on February 12, 2025.
In another strong performance for Kenya, Elijah Makini claimed bronze in the men’s T45/46 100m, clocking 12.42 behind home athlete Yahya Alblooshi (11.65) and Kazakhstan’s Igor Khlystov (12.32).
Neema, 22, continues to make history across multiple disciplines. She clocked 27.77 seconds to win the 200m T47 final, edging out Tereza Jakschova (28.30) and Romanian Tabita Vulturar (30.51).
The T47 category is for athletes with impaired upper limbs, while T11 and T12 are classifications for completely and partially blind athletes, respectively.
Neema recently won the level two badminton title at the Egypt Para International Badminton tournament two weeks ago. She also made history at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, competing in para taekwondo alongside Julieta Moipo—a first for Kenya.
Reflecting on her performances, Neema said:
“Winning two gold medals from badminton and then athletics is a good way to start the season.”
She credits her improved endurance and a new coach, Dennis Mwanzo, for her recent success.
“My focus is not only to make it to the podium at the world event but also to medal. That will assure me a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.”
The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will take place from September 26 to October 5 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, India.
