Peerless Muchai strikes gold number 2 in Rio 2016 Paralympics

Visually-impaired Para athlete star, Samwel Kimani Muchai propelled to his and Kenya’s second gold of the Rio 2016 Paralympics after adding the 1500m gold on Wednesday night to the 5000m crown he won on the opening day of the track and field programme.

His victory takes the country’s tally at the quadrennial showdown to four after the Kenyan, 26, once again upset home favourite, Odair Santos with a superior finish in the men 15000m T11 category when he powered past the Brazilian in the last 50m for glory.

“I feel so good for this, for winning the race,” said Kimani, who crossed the line in 4:03.25. “That was my target to win that race and I am grateful. I heard the crowd and they gave me the motivation to run faster and to win the race.”

Referring to his guide James Boit, who he has trained with for the last seven years, he said: “We live together as brothers. My best friend and my brother also.”

Santos clocked a season’s best 4:03.85 as he claimed his second silver of Rio 2016 after trailing Muchai across the line in the 5000m with Turkey’s Semih Deniz (4:05.42) closing the podium.

The Kenyan Paralympic team was locked in a five hour appeal after Brazil protested Muchai’s victory in the 12 and a half-lap race before the result eventually stood.

Kenya has so far two gold and two bronze medals.