Meet the Deaflympian Running for Gold

For elite athlete Melinda Vernon, the Tokyo Deaflympics are more than just a competition. They are a chance to represent Australia, inspire the next generation, and connect with the Deaf community on the world stage.

At 40 years old, Melinda has competed in major mainstream events such as the IAAF World Cross Country Championships and the ITU World Triathlon Series. But the Deaflympics hold a special place in her heart. 

“This will be my third Deaf Olympics. I've been to two, Taipei in 2009 and Bulgaria in 2013. I won two gold in Taipei and a silver and bronze in Bulgaria.”

The Tokyo Deaflympics are being held from 15–26 November 2025, and this year marks over a century since the first event was held in 1924. 

Melinda has already completed the marathon — a demanding new challenge — drawing on decades of experience in endurance sport. 

“In the past, I competed for both hearing and Deaf events. But with the Deaflympics – I felt like I could fit in and enjoy the competition a lot more.”

Thanks to the generous support of the Deaf Lottery community, Deaf Connect has been able to provide $40,000 sponsorship for the whole of team Australia to compete at the 2025 Deaflympics.

We recently sat down with Melinda to find out more about her journey.

From the Pool to the Pavement

Melinda’s athletic career began in the swimming pool, where she trained from a young age through to her mid-teens. As she shifted her endurance into running, she discovered a sense of freedom that eventually led her into cross country, athletics, and later triathlons. Her natural ability to adapt across multiple endurance disciplines paved the way for success in both mainstream and Deaf sports.

Finding a Community at the Deaflympics

While Melinda has earned major achievements in mainstream competitions — including wins at the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon and the City2Surf — the Deaflympics have offered her something uniquely meaningful. The sense of shared experience and belonging has shaped her identity as an athlete and community member.

She speaks openly about navigating sport as a Deaf person, and how her identity has strengthened her perseverance: “I don’t see my Deafness as a barrier. It's what pushed me forward to keep going.”

Overcoming Barriers and Inspiring the Future

Melinda has faced setbacks, including missing the 2005 Melbourne Deaflympics due to injury, but remains focused on resilience and positive role modelling. 

Now a mother, she is determined to pass on the story of her journey to her son, Hugo. 

“My son, he's going to see me running and he's going to see my photos and videos from my past. When he grows up, I’ll definitely be making him aware of the Deaf Olympics. So he understands where his family comes from, and the barriers that we've had to overcome, having both parents who are Deaf.”

Melinda also wants young Deaf and hard of hearing Australians to see their potential — to understand that their strength, pride, and talent belong on any world stage.

Your Support Makes the Difference

Unlike their Olympic and Paralympic peers, Deaflympic athletes do not receive government funding. They rely entirely on sponsorships from organisations like Deaf Connect and the generosity of the community to compete internationally.

Melinda expressed her gratitude for the support she and her teammates have received.

 "I would like to thank Deaf Connect for the huge $40,000 towards the Deaflympics," she says. "It's been a huge weight off because we were sending such a big team. So, thank you Deaf Connect for all your support and help on our journey to the Deaflympics."

This incredible sponsorship is only possible because of you - our wonderful Deaf Lottery supporters. Every ticket you buy helps fund programs and provide opportunities that empower the Deaf community, from grassroots sports to elite international competition. 

Your contribution ensures that talented athletes like Melinda can proudly represent Australia and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

We’ll be cheering Melinda and the rest of Team Australia from back home, and we thank you. Our Deaf lottery supporters, for getting behind our nation’s talented Deaf Olympians!