Karen Ellam of Harpenden  has been selected by GB Deaf Golf to represent Great Britain at the Summer Deaflympics 2025, taking place in Tokyo this November. Karen is one of just five deaf golfers nationwide to have met the strict eligibility, handicap, and performance criteria required for selection. She will be flying out to Japan to compete at the Wakasu Golf Links, where she will take on some of the world’s best deaf golfers
The 2025 Deaflympics will take place in Tokyo, Japan from 15th-26th November. This year’s event is extra special as it’s the 100th celebration Summer Deaflympics. Team DeaflympicsGB will be representing Great Britain in Tokyo in 7 sports; athletics, football, golf, swimming, cycling, shooting and tennis.
The name Deaflympics is made up of the words Deaf and Olympics. Every four years, the event brings together deaf athletes from across the world to compete across seven different sports.
The Games are organised by deaf people for deaf people and competitors must have a hearing loss of 55dB or greater in the better ear. During the competition visual signals are used to replace auditory cues. For example, starting guns in athletics are replaced with flashing lights, and referee whistles in sports, like football, are replaced with flag signals.
Hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other similar devices are not allowed during competition, to ensure fair competition.
GB Deaf Golf stated: “We’re incredibly proud to announce that Karen Ellam of Harpenden Golf Club has been selected to represent Great Britain at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo.
Karen’s journey spans decades of dedication to sport — from pioneering women’s tennis at Loughborough University to winning the Hertfordshire Ladies’ Senior Championship and competing at the top of amateur golf. A fierce competitor and a true role model, she continues to shine on the course and inspire off it. Now, she’s taking her game international. “
UK Deaf Sport Announces DeaflympicsGB Squad for Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics
Good luck Karen.
