Sharon Bitok’s Journey to Gold at the Deaflympics
Sharon Bitok, a 29-year-old middle-distance runner from Kenya, has set her sights on achieving something remarkable at the upcoming 25th edition of the Deaflympics. After securing three silver medals at the last Summer Deaflympics, she is now aiming for two golds in Tokyo, Japan, which will start next Saturday.
Bitok made her mark in the 2022 Deaflympics held in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, where she won silver in the 1500m, 800m, and 4x400m relay events. Her performance there has only fueled her ambition to go one step further in Tokyo.
“I want to win that gold so I can get the Sh3 million reward recently announced by President William Ruto,” Bitok said. “The money will help me provide for my child and support my family.”
As a mother of one, Bitok’s journey to success has been shaped by both personal and professional challenges. She made her international debut at the 2021 World Deaf Athletics Championships in Lublin, Poland, where she failed to medal. However, this experience helped her build the confidence needed for future competitions.
“The first time I competed in Poland, I was scared and finished among the last. But in Brazil, I had confidence — that’s how I managed three silvers,” she recalled.
Bitok’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. She was among 31 athletes honored during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County. A former hairdresser, she has transformed her life into an athletic career, showing incredible determination and resilience.
Now, Bitok is eyeing gold in both the 800m and 1500m events. She has intensified her training in recent weeks, focusing on speed work for the 800m and endurance for the 1500m. Her goal is clear: to not just reach the podium but to come back home with gold.
“I feel inspired and strong. I can floor any rivals who will be up against me,” she stated confidently.
Despite acknowledging that some European competitors may have better training facilities, Bitok remains confident in her abilities. “They may have better resources, but I’ve done my homework well. Let’s meet on the track and see how it all pans out,” she added.
Bitok will compete in the 800m alongside Aidah Odero, while Viola Chelimo and Rebecca Matiko will join her in the 1500m. The team is under the guidance of coaches Sammy Kibet and Caroline Kola.
“We’ve had a conversation with our instructors. They’ve shown us how to approach the races to ensure Kenya finishes in the medal brackets,” said Bitok.
With her focus, determination, and support system, Bitok is ready to make history at the Deaflympics. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.