November 15-26, 2025
The US was represented by a team of five athletes at the 2025 Deaflympics, which took place in Tokyo in November, 2025. The five athletes were:
- Keith Doane, Minnesota Orienteering Club (veteran of the 2023 World Deaf Orienteering Championships in Sweden)
- Lisa Fisher, Quantico Orienteering Club (first international event)
- Sachiko Flores, Minnesota Orienteering Club (veteran of the 2023 WDOC)
- Shanna Sorrells, Quantico Orienteering Club (veteran of the 2023 WDOC)
- Tom Wells, Quantico Orienteering Club (veteran of the Taipei 2009 Deaflympics and the 2011 (Ukraine), 2015 (Rochester, NY, USA) and 2023 WDOC)
The Deaflympics is a multi-sport event where Deaf athletes can compete at an elite level against athletes from around the world. This past year saw over 3000 athletes participating, with around 60 orienteers from 16 countries competing in the orienteering events.
Orienteering featured six different events: Sprint Distance, Sprint Relay, Super Sprint Relay, Middle Distance, Long Distance and Relay.
From Tom Wells: “The 2025 event was a great experience for everyone involved, including the grizzled old vet, the sophomores and the wet behind the ears freshman. We were humbled by the fact that other countries invested time and resources in making sure their new orienteering athletes were successful, including proper coaching and frequent training camps. The difference was stark. We held our own the best we could.The Deaflympics have now partnered with the IOF, hence standards were high for this event, including finger and wrist SIAC, updated maps and overall a high-quality operation. An aspect of partnership with IOF will require a points system as a means of qualification for future events. The jury is still out on the precise details, but it will no longer be a matter of “hey, I think I’m good enough to attend these events”. For some of us, it was a good run while it lasted, for others it will serve as motivational goals to reach. Onwards and upwards!”
