From setback to stardom, Bitok now plots to break silver jinx in Tokyo
Athletics
By
Ochieng Oyugi
| Nov 08, 2025
Inspired by 1,500m World champion and record holder Faith Kipyegon, Deaflympics silver medallist Sharon Bitok Jeptarus is out to smash records in the category at the forthcoming Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics set to kick off in Japan next Saturday.
Bitok will also be out to break another silver jinx in the women’s 800m category, where she will ply her trade for Kenya alongside Aidah Odero.
Again, the Eldoret-based hairdresser will also be out to power her compatriots in the 4x400m relay, which they also bagged a silver in the last edition of the Deaflympics Summer Games held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, in 2022.
Looking back, Bitok can now celebrate her meteoric rise in sport. She had a horrendous outing in her first international debut at the World Deaf Athletics Championships held in Lublin, Poland, in 2021, where she was among the basement finishers in both the 800m and 1500m categories.
But less than a year later, at the 24th Summer Deaflympics held in Brazil, the 29-year-old Iten-based athlete managed to strike her first medal in the categories, all silvers, including a similar medal in the women’s 4x400m relay.
Now with the Tokyo 2025 Summer Deaflympics on the horizon, Bitok says she is gunning for the gold medal – not just for glory but to secure a better life for her family.
“In Poland, I lacked experience, I was scared, I finished among the last but it gave me international exposure” recalled Bitok, who was among the 31 athletes who were recently recognised as national heroes during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations held on October 20 in Kitui County.
“However, when I proceeded for a second showdown at the Deaflympics in Brazil, I had great confidence, which saw me nestle the three silvers. That was so unexpected. I could not believe it. I was so motivated,” she underlined.
“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.
“My goal is not only to reach the podium but to come back home with a gold medal in the categories, so I’m training hard. I’m so hopeful that the dream will be accomplished,” the mother of one told Standard Sports.
To boost her chances of winning gold, especially in the women’s 800m, Bitok noted that she is working on her speed for the remaining days at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani residential camp in Nairobi.
As for the 1,500m, she said she feels well-prepared, with endurance, since it is a longer race.
“I feel inspired and strong. I feel capable of flooring any rivals who will be up against me,” she highlighted.
“I know my opponents who are training in European countries have better resources to work on things like speed, endurance and the finishing kick, but I have also done my homework well. Let’s meet on the track and see how it all pans out,” the triple Deaflympics silver medallist cum hairdresser stated.
She will race for Kenya in the women’s 1,500m alongside Viola Chelimo and Rebecca Matiko.
Bitok said they have developed a game plan, together with their coaches Sammy Kibet and Caroline Kola, to dominate in all the races.
“We have had a conversation with our instructors. They have taught us how to go about the contests to ensure that Kenya lands in medal brackets in Tokyo,” she noted.
Beyond her quest for glory in the races, Bitok draws motivation from the cash rewards, especially those recently put across by the State, as they will go a long way in securing her family’s future.
“I want to win that gold so I can get the Sh3 million reward recently announced by His Excellency President William Ruto.
“The money will help me provide for my child. With that cash reward, I believe I can do much more for my family with ease,” stated Bitok.