Quick facts

Birthdate

June 14, 1984

Hometown

Ottawa, ON

Residence

Ottawa, ON

Sport

Para Athletics

Experience

Rio 2016

Josh Karanja joined forces with visually impaired runner Jason Dunkerley as his guide in 2011. Karanja was recommended as a guide by Ian Clark who had coached Karanja at Nepean High School in Ottawa, Ont.

Karanja was a competitive runner (the steeplechase was his specialty) at Eastern Michigan University. It was while he was completing his Master’s degree that Clarke made the call. The opportunity gave Karanja a second wind in competitive sport and he says it has been a wonderful partnership.

Dunkerley and Karanja were a major force in international Para athletics.  They won two medals at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and also stepped on the podium twice at the 2015 Parapan American Games in Toronto including gold in the 5000m. A few weeks later they took silver in the 5000m at the IPC World Athletics Championships.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2016 Paralympic Games… 2015 – 2nd 5000m at IPC World Athletics Championships… 1st in 5000m and 2nd in 1500m at Parapan Am Games in Toronto… 2012 – 2nd 5000m and 3rd 1500m at Paralympic Games…

PERSONAL

Was Jason Dunkerley’s guide runner from 2011 to 2016… Born and raised in Kenya…Moved to Canada at age 11 with his mother…

NOTABLE INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

  • 2016 Paralympic Games 1500m 5th
  • 2015 IPC World Athletics Championships 5000m 2nd
  • 2015 Parapan American Games 1st 5000m
  • 2015 Parapan American Games 2nd 1500m
  • 2012 Paralympic Games 2nd 5000m
  • 2012 Paralympic Games 3rd 1500m

Paralympic Medals

1

1